Category: Law

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Scientists from Novosibirsk State University presented new type of training devices for forensic experts

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    The II International Scientific and Analytical Forum “Digital Law” was held at the “Boiling Point – Novosibirsk” of Academpark. The event was organized by Novosibirsk State University (Institute of Philosophy and Law), Institute of Philosophy and Law of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Law School of Heilongjiang University (PRC).

    — We hold many joint events with the Institute of Philosophy and Law of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, but today, thanks to cooperation with Heilongjiang University, we are already reaching the international level of discussing the problems of legal regulation in the field of information technology. The Forum program includes many reports on various aspects of digital law. And all this suggests that its topic is becoming more and more relevant every year, the emergence of new technologies entails the emergence of new tasks and conflicts that need to be resolved with the help of legal mechanisms, — noted Vladimir Diev, Director of the Institute of Philosophy and Law of NSU, Doctor of Philosophy, Professor, in his speech.

    The forum program opened with a report by Doctor of Law, Professor of the Department of Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure and Forensic Science at NSU Roman Borovskikh, dedicated to the university’s developments in the field of new technologies for training future forensic scientists.

    — Forensic science is an applied science, it requires honing certain skills, which is best done at a testing ground. But it is not always possible to create a full-scale, physical testing ground, and here its virtual version comes to the rescue. Simulators are used in many areas of training specialists — in cosmonautics, medicine, and others. We have applied this approach in jurisprudence, — he said.

    Modeling of training scenarios on simulators is carried out in several directions. First of all, lines of models are built on the investigation of different types of crimes: violent against the person (murder, rape, etc.), property (various thefts), economic, official, etc. Within each such line there is a gradation depending on a specific situation in which the investigation takes place – place, time, situation, etc.

    — Our simulators are based on the idea of a computer game, a quest, but at the same time they incorporate the entire arsenal of forensic tools for investigation, evidence collection, verification of versions, and so on. That is, they allow you to simulate the situation of investigating certain types of crimes in a game form. And the first lessons on them have already aroused great interest not only among students, but also among our fellow practitioners and scientists, — emphasized Roman Borovskikh.

    In addition to NSU students, participants of the first international student festival of cybercriminology were able to work on cyber simulators CRIMELABE Fest-2024, organized by the university last fall. The event was a success, and Roman Borovskikh invited all the forum participants to take part in the next festival, which will take place approximately in September 2025.

    It can be expected that by that time the list of situations simulated on virtual training grounds will expand even more – simulator developers are constantly improving their product.

    — Not long ago, we formed a working group, which included university employees as theorists and employees of the Investigative Committee as practitioners. The goal is to improve this educational technology. In particular, we added to the range of simulated situations the investigation of an airliner crash, sabotage at infrastructure facilities. And we continue this work. I think we will be able to show a lot of interesting things at the next festival, — Roman Borovskikh summed up.

    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: Update in investigation into deaths in Roseneath

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police can confirm that the deaths of two people at a residential property on Palliser Road, Roseneath are being treated as a murder-suicide.

    Police are providing support to the family at the centre of this tragic event. The family have requested privacy as they grieve their loss.

    We continue to appeal to anyone who may have information that can help our enquiries, and anyone with residential CCTV that captures traffic movements in the Roseneath area, particularly on Palliser Road and surrounding streets, to contact Police.

    Please update us online now or call 105, and reference the file number 250401/2474 or “Operation Palliser”.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Commissioner of Police appointed

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Chief Executive John Lee announced today that, upon his nomination and recommendation, and in accordance with the Basic Law, the Central People’s Government has approved the appointment of Joe Chow as Commissioner of Police, and the removal of Siu Chak-yee from the post.

    Mr Chow was previously Deputy Commissioner of Police. Mr Siu begins pre-retirement leave after serving the Police Force for 36 years.

    Commenting on the appointment, the Chief Executive said: “Mr Chow has served in the Police Force for almost 30 years and has extensive experience in criminal investigation, intelligence gathering, policy-making as well as personnel management. He has a distinguished performance and possesses proven leadership skills.

    “I am confident that he will capably lead the Police Force in meeting the challenges ahead.”

    On the retirement of Mr Siu, who had been Commissioner of Police since June 2021, Mr Lee lauded his efforts in maintaining Hong Kong’s status as one of the safest cities in the world.

    “He has demonstrated unswerving dedication and determination to safeguarding Hong Kong and upholding the rule of law in dealing with the social unrest.”

    Mr Lee added that as Commissioner of Police Mr Siu was devoted to introducing strong and effective measures to combat deception cases and other criminal activities.

    “Under his eminent leadership, the Police Force has continued to excel as a world-class professional law enforcement agency.

    “On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, I convey my heartfelt appreciation to Mr Siu for his contribution to Hong Kong and wish him a happy retirement.”

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: What courses and workshops will NKO Lab experts conduct in April

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The educational project “NPO Lab” invites employees of non-profit organizations (NPOs) to learn how to work with electronic reporting, collect and analyze social media data, and apply digital technologies. In April, meetings with specialists from the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation and experts in the field of marketing and the use of artificial intelligence were prepared for them. Students will be able to attend face-to-face classes and webinars, and then apply the knowledge they have gained in practice.

    Employees of non-profit organizations will be able to join the training: managers, accountants and PR and promotion specialists. The events are free. Pre-registration is required.

    The first lesson of the month will be devoted to the work of the new site Ministry of Justice of Russia. At the workshop, which will be held on April 3 from 14:00 to 16:15, specialists from this department will meet with the audience. Participants will receive detailed instructions on filling out reporting forms, which have been transferred to electronic format since this year. They will also analyze typical errors that may occur when preparing documents. The workshop will be held in the NPO coworking center in the Northern Administrative District at the address: Petrozavodskaya Street, Building 18, Building 1. You can register at this link.

    Two of the project’s classes will be devoted to the development of NPO Telegram channels. At the webinar, which will take place on April 7 at 16:00, listeners will learn how to collect and analyze data from social networks and track the sources of new subscribers. Registration — by link. At the in-person meeting, which will take place on April 17 at 16:00, participants will be told about ways to promote their Telegram channels. The class will be held in the coworking center of the NPO South-West Administrative District at the address: Vinokurova Street, Building 2. You can register by link.

    On April 8, the advanced training course “AI in the Service of NGOs” will begin. It will consist of five in-person classes devoted to working with artificial intelligence and the use of digital technologies. The meetings will tell you how to correctly compose requests, use various applications and online services, analyze data and compose grant applications. The training will take place on weekdays at the educational center at the address: Pleteshkovsky Lane, Building 19. Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate of the established form. Registration — by link.

    The educational project “NPO Lab” began its work in 2016. It includes webinars, master classes, advanced training courses, intensive courses and consultations, which are conducted for employees of non-profit organizations. The full schedule and description of all the project’s events can be found on the Internet portal of the NPO coworking center network in the section “Education”.

    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.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/152072073/

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer, Graham, Blumenthal Introduce Hard-Hitting Primary and Secondary Sanctions Legislation Against Russia

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Since taking office, President Donald Trump and his administration have prioritized negotiating a ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine. While Ukraine announced its willingness to support a 30-day ceasefire proposal, Russia has not. 
    U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) joined U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and 50 of their colleagues, to introduce the bipartisan Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025. This bill would impose primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors backing Russia’s aggression if the country refuses to engage in good-faith negotiations for a lasting peace with Ukraine or undermines the sovereignty of Ukraine after peace is negotiated.
    The legislation also imposes a 500 percent tariff on imported goods from countries that buy Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other products.
    “The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 will issue decisive consequences aimed at deterring Russian aggression,” said Cramer. “This bill sends a clear message: bullies have a price to pay for their actions. Vladimir Putin and Russia must face serious consequences for their destructive and unprovoked war on Ukraine.”
    Members who cosigned the legislation include U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Katie Britt (R-AL), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Todd Young (R-IN), Angus King (I-ME), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), John Curtis (R-UT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Peter Welch (D-VT), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jon Husted (R-OH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), John Cornyn (R-TX), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), John Hoeven (R-ND), John Fetterman (D-PA), John Boozman (R-AR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), James Lankford (R-OK), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Rick Scott (R-FL), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jim Justice (R-WV), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Steve Daines (R-MT) and Jack Reed (D-RI).
    Click here for bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Secures Preliminary Injunction Blocking Trump Administration from Unlawfully Terminating Federal Employees

    Source: US State of California Department of Justice

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today released a statement after the issuance of a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump Administration from conducting unlawful mass terminations of federal probationary employees who live or work in California.

     “The Trump Administration’s callous and reckless mass firings of federal employees have harmed thousands of employees and families including many veterans in our state who have dutifully served their country in uniform,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Today’s decision is an important victory for the rule of law, which blocks the administration from terminating federal employees without lawfully required notice. California will continue to fight to protect our federal workforce, and the services Californians rely on.” 

    Background

    Last month, Attorney General Bonta joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the Trump Administration for conducting an illegal mass firing of federal employees. Soon after, the U.S. District Court for Maryland granted a temporary restraining order that barred the Trump Administration’s unlawful mass firing of federal employees from 18 federal agencies from taking effect and ordering the employees’ reinstatement. Today’s order prevents the federal agencies listed below from conducting during the pendency of the lawsuit unlawful mass firings of federal employees who live or work in California and requires the reinstatement of any affected employees who have not already been reinstated. The order also extends the injunction to encompass employees from the Department of Defense and the Office of Personnel Management.

    Department of Agriculture    Department of Transportation  
    Department of Commerce   Department of Treasury  
    Department of Defense   Department of Veterans Affairs  
    Department of Education   Consumer Financial Protection Bureau  
    Department of Energy   Environmental Protection Agency  
    Department of Health and Human Services   Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation  
    Department of Homeland Security   General Services Administration  
    Department of Housing and Urban Development   Office of Personnel Management  
    Department of Interior    Small Business Administration  
    Department of Labor   United States Agency for International Development   

    Nationally, there are more than 5.1 million federal workers. Nearly all federal employees serve a one-or two-year probationary period, and more than 200,000 are on probationary status across the federal government. In California, numerous federal employees serve in critical roles across key agencies including the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Agriculture, the National Park Service, and the U.S. Forest Service, among others.

    The abrupt, pretextual termination of federal employees was not only unlawful but also disrupted essential government services from support for veterans and farmers to protection of our cherished national parks and lands. This action also had far reaching economic effects. Specifically, in California, federal employees heavily contribute to our economy by paying state income taxes and generating substantial local revenue. As a direct result of the Trump Administration’s unlawful actions, the state Employment Development Department was forced to commit substantial human and financial resources to quickly offer unemployment and reemployment assistance and information to wrongfully displaced workers. During the month of February 2025, coinciding with the layoffs, California saw a 149% increase in state unemployment benefit claims by federal workers.  

    Attorney General Bonta is joined by the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai‛i, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia, in securing the preliminary injunction.

    A copy of the court’s order can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police wheel in stolen property from city burglaries

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Auckland Central Police have cleared out two apartments full of stolen property, resulting in four arrests.

    In the process an excess of 80 stolen items, including 13 electric scooters, have been recovered by Police.

    Auckland Central Area Commander Inspector Grant Tetzlaff says an investigation has been underway into a series of burglaries at businesses and apartments in the city over the past month.

    On Wednesday morning, the City Tactical Crime Unit along with the Beat Team and Police Support Unit executed two search warrants.

    “Operation Rocket homed in on two apartments within a Hobson Street complex,” Inspector Tetzlaff says.

    “Inside our teams came across an Aladdin’s cave of stolen property and it’s going to take some time to work through where everything has come from.”

    Amongst the find was 13 electric scooters, an assortment of power tools and other electronic valuables.

    Some of the power tools have been linked to a North Shore burglary in 2019, Inspector Tetzlaff says.

    Four people at the addresses have been arrested and charged.

    “Charges laid at this point relate to two burglaries at a Wellesley Street business, and a Union Street apartment last month,” he says.

    Those charged are two men, aged 28 and 36, and two women, aged 35 and 41.

    A 28-year-old man has been charged with two counts of burglary. He has also been charged with the aggravated robbery of an electric scooter in January.

    A 41-year-old woman faces two charges of burglary. The other two arrested face charges of receiving stolen property.

    Separately, a 47-year-old woman was located during search warrants in possession of methamphetamine and charged accordingly.

    “The team working on Operation Rocket are continuing with their enquiries and further charges cannot be ruled out at this stage,” Inspector Tetzlaff says.

    “Burglary is a serious offence and brings with it a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment.

    “It’s a fantastic outcome as our team continue to work hard in holding this offending to account.”

    Those charged are now before the Auckland District Court.

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey Blasts Trump Cuts to K-12 Education Funding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Washington (April 1, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement today following the Trump administration’s decision to cut $106 million in K-12 education funding in Massachusetts, and more than $2 billion to K-12 schools nationwide.

    “President Trump and Education Secretary Linda McMahon have callously cut $106 million in funding to K-12 schools in Massachusetts – another salvo in their war on students and educators. To Massachusetts communities, this funding is a lifeline that helps provide students with math tutoring and dyslexia screening, update aging school buildings, and train educators to provide students with the highest quality instruction possible.

    “With these devastating cuts, the Trump administration is hurting students, educators, families, and communities in the Commonwealth and nationwide. Massachusetts is the birthplace of public education and has the best school system in the country. But we cannot continue to make necessary strides toward a school system that enables all students to succeed when the Trump administration is ripping the rug out from under states and cruelly clawing back funds that are owed to the Commonwealth.

    “As a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, I demanded that Linda McMahon promise not to cut funding for public schools. She refused. Now, Trump and McMahon are following through on their anti-student, anti-educator, anti-family agenda. They want to lock the promise of education and opportunity in an ivory tower and throw away the key.

    “I will fight these callous cuts, and I will fight any other attempts from Trump, McMahon, Musk and their lackeys to gut public education.”

    Impacted school districts in Massachusetts:

    • Springfield ($47,357,654)
    • New Bedford ($15,603,433) 
    • Fitchburg ($6,578,468)
    • Everett ($4,897,300)
    • Revere ($4,613,327)
    • Boston ($3,468,659)
    • Leominster ($1,868,215)
    • Stoughton ($1,512,470)
    • Worcester ($1,454,350)
    • Chelsea ($1,448,715)
    • Lawrence ($1,307,307)
    • Dracut ($648,702)
    • Holyoke ($395,863)
    • West Springfield ($354,868)
    • Lynn ($339,357)
    • Fairhaven ($250,802)
    • Greater Fall River Regional Vocational Technical ($115,465)
    • Ludlow ($83,334)
    • Blue Hills Regional Vocational Technical ($21,461)
    • Mashpee ($2,481)
    • Mater Dolorosa Catholic School in Holyoke ($118,894)
    • Saint Stanislaus School in Chicopee ($172,692)

    Senator Markey is fighting back against the Trump administration’s attacks on education and standing up for students, educators, and their families. On March 20, Senator Markey slammed Trump’s Executive Order to dismantle the Department of Education. On March 11, Senator Markey delivered remarks on the Senate Floor to spotlight Trump’s plan to gut the Department. On February 27, Senator Markey introduced the No Cuts to Public Schools Act, which would prevent any cuts to federal education formula funding during the Trump administration. On February 10, Senator Markey held a press conference in Boston with Massachusetts educators and teachers’ unions on Trump’s vow to dismantle the Department, and the impact on Massachusetts students, educators, and communities.

    On February 6, 2025, Senator Markey, members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation, along with the Massachusetts Teachers Association, American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, Massachusetts Association of School Committees, and Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, released a joint statement after President Trump vowed to dismantle the Department of Education.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Stolen car drives onto O-Bahn track

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Two teenagers have been arrested after driving a stolen car on the O-Bahn bus track.

    Just after 6am on Wednesday 2 April, a red 2016 Ford Mustang was reported stolen from the driveway of a Rosslyn Park home.

    Police spotted the Mustang travelling south out of Bute about 11.15am before heading east on the Copper Coast Highway through to Port Wakefield.

    Patrols set up cordons around the area and awaited PolAir to commence tracking the vehicle from the air.

    The Mustang was tracked through Two Wells and Virginia and into the northern suburbs.

    About 12.45pm the Mustang drove onto the O-Bahn track at Tea Tree Plaza and travelled south for about 2km’s before becoming stuck near Welloch Street, Modbury.

    Two people ran from the car and over fences of nearby houses but were quickly arrested by patrols.

    Two Port Augusta teens aged 14 and 19 have been arrested and are currently being interviewed by police.

    The O-Bahn track remains closed until a crane can remove the vehicle.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: One person in custody following Silverdale incident

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    One person has been taken into custody following a reported firearms sighting in Silverdale, Hamilton this afternoon.

    Police were called to Silverdale Road just before 3pm.

    Two imitation firearms have been recovered from the address.

    Nearby schools were put into lockdown as a precaution, which has since been lifted. Cordons have also been stood down.

    We want to thank the members of the Silverdale community for their cooperation as Police responded to this event.

    Charges are being considered.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police investigating unexplained death in Northland, Wellington

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Attributable to Detective Inspector Nick Pritchard:

    Police are continuing to investigate an unexplained death in Northland, Wellington yesterday.

    The investigation team have been conducting enquiries door-to-door in the Northland area and speaking to witnesses and people known to the victim.

    A scene guard will remain in place at the property over the coming days.

    Members of the Northland community can expect to see a continued Police presence in the area while enquiries into the circumstances of the death continue.

    If you have any information that could assist Police, please contact us via 105, either over the phone or online.

    Please reference file number 250401/4530.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s State Council appoints HKSAR police chief

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

    BEIJING, April 2 — China’s State Council announced on Wednesday that it has decided to appoint Chow Yat-ming as the commissioner of police of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, replacing Siu Chak-yee.

    The decision was made in accordance with the HKSAR Basic Law, and was based on the nomination and suggestion put forward by HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee, the official announcement said.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI Security: United States Attorney’s Office and Task Force Honored for Dismantling Violent Criminal Enterprise

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Washington-Baltimore HIDTA has recognized two Assistant United States Attorneys from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia and members of the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force for an investigation that dismantled a tri-state drug trafficking operation.

    Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced that Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lara Omps-Botteicher and Kyle Kane received the Outstanding Community Impact Investigation award at the HIDTA ceremony in Baltimore, Maryland today for their work on a case which dismantled a violent criminal enterprise that was distributing large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine in Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. The investigation led to the indictment of 82 co-conspirators and the seizure of nine kilograms of fentanyl/heroin, large amounts of crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, $250,000 in cash and other assets.

    “I express my heartfelt thanks to HIDTA for honoring these Assistant United States Attorneys and members of the task force who work tirelessly to remove fentanyl and these other agents of death from our community,” stated Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard.  “The AUSAs and the task force members are on the front lines, days, nights, and weekends using their skills and the most advanced technology to serve the mission of eliminating these poisons and the organizations who distribute them from our country.”

    The Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force is a HIDTA-funded initiative and consists of members from the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the West Virginia State Police-Bureau of Criminal Investigations; the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office; the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office; the Martinsburg Police Department; the Ranson Police Department; and the Charles Town Police Department.

    Washington-Baltimore HIDTA (High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) provides support and guidance to reduce drug trafficking and misuse by improving interagency collaboration, promoting accurate and timely information and intelligence sharing, and specialized training and other resources to law enforcement, intelligence, treatment, and prevention initiatives. To learn more, go to https://www.hidta.org.

    This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. 

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Joint Law Enforcement Operation leads to the Indictment of Nine Mississippi Men for Drug and Firearm Trafficking

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    Gulfport, Miss. – A federal grand jury in Gulfport, Mississippi returned indictments charging nine men—Alvonta Demarcus McCray, Melvin McCray, Cameron Fairley, Christopher Chase Brown, Cleon Johnson, Roderick Victor Minter, Tracy Antoine McCall, Nathaniel Jackson, and Jeremy Young—for their involvement in narcotics and firearm trafficking.

    These indictments are the result of a joint investigation among the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”); Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”); Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics (“MBN”); U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and the Stone County Sheriff’s Department. During the investigation, law enforcement conducted more than 30 operations that resulted in the seizure of 3.98 pounds of methamphetamine, more than 4,000 fentanyl pills, 18 grams of powder fentanyl, and over 20 firearms.

    According to the indictments, Alvonta Demarcus McCray was charged in a six-count indictment charging him with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute-methamphetamine and fentanyl, and five counts of possession with intent to distribute; he is facing up to life in prison. Melvin McCray was charged in a five-count indictment charging him with trafficking firearms, and four counts of possession of a firearm by convicted felon; he is facing up 15 years in prison. Cameron Fairley and Christopher Chase Brown were charged in a joint indictment charging them with trafficking firearms. Fairley is also charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Fairley is facing up to life in prison and Brown is facing up to 15 years in prison. Nathaniel Jackson is charged in a six-count indictment charging him with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and fentanyl analogue, he is facing up to 20 years in prison. Cleon Johnson is charged with possession of a short-barreled shotgun and is facing up to 10 years in prison. Roderick Victor Minter, and Tracy Antoine McCall are charged in a joint indictment charging them with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Minter and McCall are facing up to life in prison. Jeremy Young is charged in a two-count indictment charging him with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and is facing up to 20 years in prison.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi; Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of ATF; Special Agent in Charge Eric P. DeLaune of HSI, Sean Tindell, Commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety; and Todd Stewart, Sheriff of the Stone County Sheriff’s Department made the announcement.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Hunter McCreight is prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Transport – Truck dashcams capture some hair-raising impatient driving

    Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand
    National road freight association Transporting New Zealand has shared dashcam footage from members showing some hair-raising near-misses, and says that impatient driving is endangering lives.
    Transporting New Zealand has been calling for members to submit footage of dangerous driving, highlighting the need for all road users to observe safe speeds, pass and merge safely, and observe appropriate following distances.
    Transporting New Zealand Chief Executive Dom Kalasih says the footage shows just how dangerous impatient and reckless driving can be.
    “Truck drivers spend more time on the roads than almost anyone else. Transporting New Zealand is consistently hearing concerns from our road freight members about incidents of impatient and unsafe driving they’re seeing while going about their work.
    “The roads are the workplace for truck drivers, and that’s a workplace where a moment’s impatience or inattention can shatter lives forever.”
    He says the maximum speed limit for heavy vehicles is 90 km/h, even on sections of road with 110 km/h speed limits, requiring patience from all road users when overtaking and merging.
    “Please be patient and wait until there’s a passing lane or a clear section of road before overtaking.
    “Think about how far you have to go to get clear of a truck and possibly a trailer. The combined length of both can be up to 23 metres – that’s a significant distance to cover and you need a safety gap at the other side.”
    Transporting New Zealand has shared three videos where disaster was narrowly avoided.
    Kalasih says that impatient or reckless driving is never worth the risk.
    “It’s not worth risking your life or anybody else’s for the sake of saving a few minutes. That’s how horrible wrecks happen.”
    Videos
    In Not the Foggiest there’s a van, a plan, and no visibility. You can almost hear the paint squeak as the over-taking vehicle ducks in. Submitted by a freight operator in Taupo.
    The next video was recorded near Waipawa in the Hawke’s Bay. A stock truck is carrying a load of bulls and has to swing wide to get into a driveway. Just as one of the team mentions what a tricky spot it is with some people trying to pass on the outside, a vehicle decides it will try a different approach. Some dialogue has been redacted.
    This next merging incident took place about 10 minutes outside of Rotorua.
    Reporting dangerous driving
    – If you believe someone’s driving is dangerous enough to be life-threatening, call the Police on 111.
    – You can call -555 from a mobile phone to report road incidents which are urgent but not life-threatening.
    About Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand
    Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand is the peak national membership association representing the road freight transport industry. Our members operate urban, rural and inter- regional commercial freight transport services throughout the country.
    Road is the dominant freight mode in New Zealand, transporting 92.8% of the freight task on a tonnage basis, and 75.1% on a tonne-km basis. The road freight transport industry employs over 34,000 people across more than 4700 businesses, with an annual turnover of $6 billion.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-Evening Report: New NZ TV series Happiness gives us an engaging musical peak behind the amateur theatre curtain

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Camp, Senior Lecturer, School of Music, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

    Warner Bros Discovery

    The last few decades have seen many attempts to make musical TV shows.

    Some of them applied the aesthetics of musicals (where people spontaneously sing and dance) to the television form, such as the recent cult series Schmigadoon! (2021–23) and the less successful medieval-set Galavant (2015–16).

    Others have foregrounded music by being backstage musicals, or “backstagers”, about the creation of musicals. Glee (2009–15), about the American high school show choir scene, was the most successful of these. It led to imitators like Smash (2013–14), about a Marilyn Monroe musical; 2018’s Rise, a major flop about a high school producing Spring Awakening; and, my favourite, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (2019–23), a meta-fictional take on the Disney musical canon.

    Backstagers have usually been more successful and also easier to produce than true through-and-through musicals for television, as they place their stories in settings that allow for the more or less “natural” presence of song and dance as part of the shows being staged. This acts as a bridge for audience members who might baulk at the singing and dancing fantasies inherent to the musical genre.

    With their new show Happiness, Kip Chapman and Luke Di Somma have created a welcome New Zealand answer to this style of musical TV show.

    Creating a musical

    Charlie (Harry McNaughton) has returned from New York to his hometown of Tauranga, having been dismissed from helming a Broadway revival of Cats.

    In a desperate attempt to demonstrate competency for a renewal of his visa – and to please his mum Gaye (Rebecca Gibney) – he decides to help out the local amateur musical theatre society Pizzaz (“the finest large-scale yet boutique classical musical theatre company in Tauranga”) with their latest production, an original musical called The Trojan Horse, based on the Iliad.

    The first number in the first episode is an airport flash mob set to Backstreet’s Back, which Charlie’s mum has arranged to welcome her son home. While the nod to the Backstreet Boys is fun, it would have been more effective to start the show with an original musical number. As many writers of musicals have argued, one has to set up the “rules” of a musical in the first ten minutes, otherwise there is a risk of confusing the audience.

    This number hints that Happiness might be a jukebox musical, but thankfully that is not the case. On the contrary, it has a whole set of new songs.

    Happiness takes an affectionate look at community musical theatre.
    Warner Bros Discovery

    The score that Luke Di Somma has written for the show-within-the-show is a convincing pastiche of standard musical theatre styles. There is lots of Les Misérables high drama, Chicago showbiz razzle-dazzle, and Dear Evan Hansen pop balladry.

    The songs carefully tread the line between portraying the well-meaning amateurishness of The Trojan Horse and being clever and competent enough in themselves to retain the audience’s interest.

    This collection of stylistic nods, at least among the songs heard in the first two episodes I was able to preview, is typical of musical theatre writing as it is currently done. Di Somma has nicely balanced his own personal style (on display in earlier works like That Bloody Woman and The Unruly Tourists) with the needs of Happiness’s pastiche to create a score that wouldn’t be out of place on any musical stage.

    An affectionate take

    Happiness takes an affectionate look at community musical theatre, with details like the mismatched teacups and homemade lamingtons available during rehearsal breaks, the amusingly stuffed prop and costume store, and the mix of ages and experiences in the cast.

    Backstagers are good fodder for TV as they can involve a wide variety of eccentric characters among the show’s cast and crew. The first episode does a good job of introducing them all. The usual backstage tropes are all there, like the young ingenue overshadowed by the haughty star and the put-upon music director (Marshayla Christie) trying to get her voice heard by the out-of-touch stage director (Peter Hambleton).

    Happiness brings a specific New Zealand spin to the backstage musical.
    Warner Bros Discovery

    This all makes Happiness fairly predictable, but it is also well observed and always engaging. A specific New Zealand spin comes with details such as the look of the the barn-like space that houses Pizazz, the Number Eight Wire attitude shown by the crew (they have $167 to make the Trojan Horse prop), and poking a bit of fun at the Kiwi accent. In one scene, Charlie suggests that local star Jacqui (Jessie Lawrence) as Helen of Troy might try it without the “Classical” English accent – which only ends up strengthening her Kiwi vowels.

    I hope that Warner Discovery, which produces the show, will distribute it abroad. Happiness paints New Zealand musical theatre talent in a positive light and shows what the locals can do, while also being very entertaining in its own right. It is a welcome addition to the “let’s put on a show” backstager genre.

    Happiness is available on Three and ThreeNow from tomorrow.

    Gregory Camp 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. New NZ TV series Happiness gives us an engaging musical peak behind the amateur theatre curtain – https://theconversation.com/new-nz-tv-series-happiness-gives-us-an-engaging-musical-peak-behind-the-amateur-theatre-curtain-253025

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI China: Newly-revised NPC deputy law highlighted at study session

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Li Hongzhong, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and vice chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, speaks at a launching ceremony for this year’s first term of study sessions for NPC deputies in Beijing, capital of China, April 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Senior Chinese legislator Li Hongzhong on Tuesday called for sound understanding and implementation of the newly-revised Law on Deputies to the National People’s Congress and to the Local People’s Congresses at Various Levels.
    Li, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), made the remarks at a launching ceremony for this year’s first term of study sessions for NPC deputies.
    Li urged people’s congresses deputies to fulfill their duties with a focus on the overall work of the Party and the country, promote the high-quality development of people’s congresses work, and foster closer ties with the people.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bank Fraud Ringleader, “Scamdaddy,” Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding Utah Credit Unions

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant helped run a multi-state bank fraud ring that stole nearly half a million dollars from Utah-based credit unions

    SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Matthew Acquah, 24, of Los Angeles, California, was sentenced today to 36 months’ imprisonment, a term of three years’ supervised release, and ordered by the court to pay $452,000 in restitution for his role defrauding Utah-based credit unions out of nearly half a million dollars.  

    The sentence, imposed by Chief District Judge Robert J. Shelby, comes after Acquah pleaded guilty in January 2025 to counts of bank fraud, bank fraud conspiracy, and aggravated identity theft.

    According to court documents and statements made at Acquah’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, Acquah admitted that he used fraudulent identification documents to open lines of credit on behalf of unwitting victims and then take out unauthorized cash advances. He also admitted helping plan and execute numerous bank fraud sprees in Utah involving out-of-state coconspirators. According to prosecutors, Acquah was referred to as “Scamdaddy” or “Playboy Prince” by his coconspirators. Acquah arranged airfare for coconspirators, booked hotel rooms, facilitated vehicles and drivers, trained new recruits, and performed other management functions for the bank fraud ring.  

    Between December 2023 and June 2024, Acquah admitted that his fraud ring managed to obtain over $450,000 in fraud proceeds from credit unions in Utah.  According to documents filed with the court, Acquah used his share to fund a lavish lifestyle, including an apartment in downtown Los Angeles and a vehicle. He was arrested with over $100,804 in U.S. currency split between his apartment and an offsite storage unit, which will be used to repay victims.

    The case was investigated jointly by Homeland Security Investigations and the Taylorsville City Police Department.

    Assistant United States Attorney Tanner Zumwalt of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
     

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI China: Senior Chinese legislator urges sound implementation of newly-revised NPC deputy law

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Li Hongzhong, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and vice chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, speaks at a launching ceremony for this year’s first term of study sessions for NPC deputies in Beijing, capital of China, April 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Senior Chinese legislator Li Hongzhong on Tuesday called for sound understanding and implementation of the newly-revised Law on Deputies to the National People’s Congress and to the Local People’s Congresses at Various Levels.
    Li, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), made the remarks at a launching ceremony for this year’s first term of study sessions for NPC deputies.
    Li urged people’s congresses deputies to fulfill their duties with a focus on the overall work of the Party and the country, promote the high-quality development of people’s congresses work, and foster closer ties with the people.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz Leads Resolution Celebrating International Transgender Day Of Visibility

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) led a group of 20 senators in introducing a resolution to celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility and recognize the achievements and courage of the transgender community around the world.
    “International Transgender Day of Visibility is about celebrating the transgender community around the world – their achievements, their courage, and their right to live freely and openly,” said Senator Schatz. “It’s also about raising awareness of the discrimination trans people continue to face, especially under the Trump administration. While the progress we’ve made on trans rights is under threat, we won’t stop fighting until there’s full acceptance and equality for all.”
    Schatz’s resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).
    The resolution is supported by Advocates for Trans Equality, Advocates for Human Rights, American Federation of Teachers, AIDS United, Amnesty International USA, CA LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network, CenterLink: The Community of LGBTQ Centers, Equality California, GLSEN, Human Rights Campaign, Interfaith Alliance, Just Detention International, Kentucky Youth Law Project, Inc., LGBT Center of SE Wisconsin, Maryland Communities United, Movement Advancement Project, National LGBTQI+ Bar Association, National LGBTQI+ Cancer Network, National Black Justice Coalition, North Shore Alliance of GLBTQ+ Youth, PFLAG National, People Power United, Point of Pride, Popular Connection Action Fund, Popular Democracy, Positive Women’s Network-USA, Pride at Work – Hawai‘i, Silver State Equality, Transathlete, and Trevor Project.
    A similar resolution was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representative Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.) and co-led by U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) and Mark Takano (D-Calif.). 
    The full text of Schatz’s resolution is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Roseneath deaths referred to Coroner

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attribute to Detective Inspector Haley Ryan:

    Police are not seeking anyone else in relation to the deaths of two people at a residential property on Palliser Road, Roseneath, Wellington.

    About 10.25pm on Monday, a concerned family member asked Police to carry out a welfare check on the occupants of the Palliser Road home. The officers who responded saw a need to force entry to the address, where they found two people deceased.

    Based on the results of a scene examination and other enquiries, we will be referring the case to the Coroner. 

    Post-mortems were completed today, and Police will continue to have a presence in the area as we work to understand the reasoning behind this tragic incident. 

    We would like to hear from anyone who may have information that can help our enquiries, and anyone with residential CCTV that captures traffic movements in the Roseneath area, particularly on Palliser Road and surrounding streets, is asked to contact us.

    Please update us online now or call 105, and reference the file number 250401/2474 or “Operation Palliser”.

    Police are continuing to provide support to next of kin.

    ENDS 

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police investigate damage at Stanley penguin viewing platform

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Police investigate damage at Stanley penguin viewing platform

    Wednesday, 2 April 2025 – 12:26 pm.

    Police are investigating after a series of incidents where damage was caused at the Godfreys Beach Penguin Viewing Platform at Stanley.
    Between Tuesday 18 March and Saturday 22 March, several LED strip lights and guide lights were damaged or removed from the platform off Harrison Terrace. 
    The marine-grade lighting had been fitted over information boards, and around the platform.
    Police are also investigating similar incidents of damage at the platform in recent months.
    Anyone with information about these incidents should contact Smithton Police on 131 444 and quote Offence Report 770206.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Second person charged in relation to murder at Glenorchy

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Second person charged in relation to murder at Glenorchy

    Wednesday, 2 April 2025 – 12:32 pm.

    Police have charged a second person with murder following an incident at Dickson Street, Glenorchy, on 11 March, which resulted in the death of a 19-year-old man.
    The 15-year-old youth was arrested last night. 
    They have been detained to appear before the Youth Justice Court today. 

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police working with City of Hobart and local businesses to reduce retail crime

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Police working with City of Hobart and local businesses to reduce retail crime

    Wednesday, 2 April 2025 – 12:38 pm.

    More than 100 people attended a retail crime and safety forum in Hobart this morning to discuss strategies for making stores and shopping precincts safer.
    Inspector John Toohey said the event, organised by Tasmania Police and City of Hobart, brought together community leaders, police and retailers.
    “Today’s forum highlights the importance of working together to reduce crime,” he said.
    “By collaborating, we can create better strategies to target retail crime and make our environment safer for everyone.”
    “There are simple things retailers can do to prevent crime, from ensuring the store layout allows visibility to installing high-quality CCTV and other security measures.”
    “Properly training staff, engaging closely with customers and restricting access to key areas is also key.”
    “If a crime does occur, it’s important the matter is reported to police in a timely manner so our officers can respond effectively and hold offenders to account.”
    “We want our local businesses, and communities more broadly, to be able to thrive without worrying about crime.”
    “It’s crucial that both the public and employees feel safe not only in public spaces but also in their workplaces.”
    City of Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the council is dedicated to creating a safe and vibrant retail environment in Hobart.
    “Today’s discussions have reinforced the need for ongoing collaboration between the council, law enforcement, and retailers to address the challenges we face,” she said.
    Retailer Warren Lucas said retail crime not only affects businesses’ bottom line, but also the safety and wellbeing of staff and customers.
    “Forums like this are essential for sharing knowledge and developing practical solutions to these issues.”
    The forum provided a space for meaningful conversations and idea-sharing, paving the way for stronger partnerships and better strategies to fight retail crime.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police seize 12 kilograms of cannabis during separate searches

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Police seize 12 kilograms of cannabis during separate searches

    Wednesday, 2 April 2025 – 12:13 pm.

    Two people have been charged after police seized more than 12 kilograms of cannabis during three separate searches at George Town.
    George Town Police conducted the searches between 28 March and 31 March.
    A 50-year-old George Town man was arrested following one search, and has been charged with multiple drug-related offences, including trafficking in a controlled substance.
    A 51-year-old George Town was searched twice within three days, and allegedly found in possession of large quantities of cannabis on both occasions.
    He has been charged with multiple drug related offences including possess a controlled plant product, possess a controlled drug and trafficking in a controlled substance. 
    Both men, who are not linked, will appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court at a later date.
    Anyone with information about illicit substances 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.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Armed Drug Dealer From Oahu Sentenced to 170 Months in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HONOLULU – Acting United States Attorney Kenneth M. Sorenson announced that Ryan “Junior” Guzman, 40, of Honolulu, Hawaii, was sentenced today in federal court by Chief U.S. District Judge Derrick K. Watson to 170 months in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine.

    As part of his prior guilty plea, Guzman admitted that on March 13, 2023, he distributed one pound of methamphetamine to a third party in the Magic Island parking lot in downtown Honolulu. He also admitted that in June 2024, he possessed a privately made firearm, known as a “ghost gun,” loaded with 15 hollow point rounds. Guzman further admitted he possessed that firearm in connection with his methamphetamine trafficking. 

    This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Honolulu Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne A. Myers prosecuted the case. 

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in  our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Two separate crashes causing delays in Napier

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police are advising motorists in Napier to expect significant delays, as emergency services respond to two separate crashes in Napier.

    The first crash involved a vehicle and a pedestrian on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway, at the intersection with Prebensen Drive in Poraiti at 1:05pm.

    One person has been seriously injured.

    The southbound lane of the expressway is currently blocked.

    The second crash, involving a truck and a car was reported just after 1:30pm on Taradale Road, near Maadi Road in Pirimai.

    One person is being treated with minor to moderate injuries.

    The southbound lanes on Taradale Road are currently blocked.

    Motorists are advised to avoid the impacted areas and expect delays.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police officer charged

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Police officer charged

    Wednesday, 2 April 2025 – 11:59 am.

    A 28-year-old Constable from Southern District is due to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court on 8 August 2025, having today been served with a summons to appear on two charges of common assault.
    The offences are alleged to have been committed in Hobart on 19 November 2024.
    The officer was on duty at the time of the incident. He has been placed on non-operational duties.
    It is not appropriate to make any further comment given the matter is now before the court.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 2022 Completed matters

    Source:

    Below are the consultation matters registered in 2022 that have been completed.

    If you require further information about the matters listed below, email consult@ato.gov.au.

    [202230] Sharing Economy Reporting Regime

    [202229] Military super invalidity benefit streamlined objection process

    [202228] Next 5,000 comprehensive risk review process

    [202227] Super health checks

    [202226] Improve small business tax performance

    [202225] Tax liability of legal personal representative of a deceased person

    [202224] User research – Retirement villages

    [202223] Capital gains tax record keeping tools and calculators

    [202222] Superannuation guarantee charge letter

    [202221] FBT record keeping

    [202220] Lodgment deferrals in Online services for agents

    [202219] Working from home deductions from 2022–23 tax year

    [202218] User testing – Tax Time 2022 communications for individual taxpayers

    [202217] MBR program companies release

    [202216] 2022 Review of the Taxpayers’ Charter

    [202214] Enterprise Client Register

    [202213] Advance pricing arrangements program review

    [202212] Automatic Exchange of Information guide and toolkit for Reporting Financial Institutions

    [202211] Deduction for entering into a conservation covenant

    [202210] eInvoicing communications

    [202209] Undisputed tax debt data reporting

    [202207] User testing – Online services for foreign investors

    [202206] GST offsetting between unrelated entities

    [202205] Corporate Collective Investment Vehicle

    [202204] Self-assessed income tax exempt not-for-profits

    [202203] Build-to-rent

    [202201] 2022 Digital Services Gateway APIs

    [202230] Sharing Economy Reporting Regime

    Consultation purpose

    To seek feedback regarding implementation of the new Sharing Economy Reporting Regime including:

    • public advice and guidance
    • reporting requirements (data and lodgment).

    Description

    Schedule 2 of the Treasury Laws Amendment (2022 Measures No. 2) Act 2022External Link requires operators of electronic distribution platforms (EDPs) to report information to the ATO on transactions relating to supplies made through the platform. This measure implements a recommendation of the report of the Black Economy Taskforce.

    Under the measure, EDP operators will be required to report transactions that occur on or after:

    • 1 July 2023 if it relates to a supply of taxi services or short-term accommodation, and
    • 1 July 2024 for all other reportable transactions.

    Who we consulted

    • Operators of EDPs in the taxi, ride sharing and short-term accommodation industries
    • Professional associations
    • Technical and peak industry bodies
    • Tax professional associations

    Outcome of consultation

    Feedback from consultation provided valuable insights in the development of the Implementation Guide, XML Schema, Legislative Instruments and Explanatory Statement to support Tranche 1 industries with the implementation of the Sharing Economy Reporting Regime.

    Consultation lead

    Vanessa Kelly, Small Business
    vanessa.kelly2@ato.gov.au
    Phone 02 4223 2851

    [202229] Military super invalidity benefit streamlined objection process

    Consultation purpose

    To test tone and clarity of messaging in a proposed letter to military veterans impacted by changes to the tax and superannuation treatment of specific invalidity benefit payments.

    Description

    Due to the Full Federal Court decision in Commissioner of Taxation v Douglas [2020] FCAFC 220 (the Douglas decision), the tax and superannuation treatment of specific invalidity benefit payments has changed.

    Those affected by the Douglas decision can request remediation to previous year tax assessments through the objection process.

    Who we consulted

    • Tax agents who have military veteran clients who are impacted by the Douglas decision
    • Veteran advocacy groups

    Outcome of consultation

    Consultation provided valuable feedback that has improved the clarity of the letter. Feedback will also contribute to some key changes to website content.

    Consultation lead

    Simon Dann, Objections and Review
    simon.dann@ato.gov.au
    Phone 07 3149 5754

    [202228] Next 5,000 comprehensive risk review process

    Consultation purpose

    To seek feedback on the proposed process for Next 5,000 comprehensive risk reviews that are planned to commence in early 2023.

    Description

    As part of the Next 5,000 program, the ATO will be commencing comprehensive risk reviews in early 2023. These reviews will be a new type of engagement using a risk based approach undertaken by the program, and will complement our existing streamlined assurance reviews.

    Who we consulted

    Tax professionals who engage with the Next 5,000 program

    Outcome of consultation

    Feedback was considered and incorporated into the process for the Next 5,000 comprehensive risk reviews.

    Consultation lead

    Ashleigh Larner, Private Wealth
    ashleigh.larner@ato.gov.au
    Phone 08 9268 0901

    [202227] Super health checks

    Consultation purpose

    To explore tax agent views on:

    • the level of awareness individual clients have in their superannuation
    • appetite to undertake a super health check with individual clients, including during preparation of income tax returns
    • tools and resources the ATO could provide to assist with super health check conversations.

    Description

    Research shows that up to 70% of individuals do not regularly manage their super or check that it’s in order. The ATO would like individuals to have greater awareness about their basic super entitlements and take more ownership and interest in their super earlier and is exploring how we might encourage this.

    Who we consulted

    Tax agents with individual clients

    Outcome of consultation

    Feedback indicated that individuals’ awareness of superannuation could be improved and that tax time interactions would be a good time for a super health check, which tax agents would undertake with their clients if provided with the necessary support from the ATO. Insights will inform our work on this strategy in the future.

    Consultation lead

    Tara Rischmueller, Superannuation and Employer Obligations
    tara.rischmueller@ato.gov.au
    Phone 08 8208 2935

    [202226] Improve small business tax performance

    Consultation purpose

    To:

    • co-design a roadmap to digitalise the tax experience for small business in ways that improve small business tax performance and provide value back to small business
    • explore concepts to streamline the tax experience.

    Description

    Improve small business tax performance and participation by collaborating with partners to build a digital first tax ecosystem, enabling seamless tax reporting from business source systems, is one of the key focus areas in the ATO corporate plan 2022-23.

    The aim is to develop concepts that will:

    • improve small business tax performance
    • create productivity savings for small businesses
    • deliver economy wide value from increased permission-based standardised data sharing
    • increase participation in and integrity of the tax ecosystem.

    Who we consulted

    Outcome of consultation

    Consultation provided valuable feedback which:

    • contributed to development of the draft Roadmap to Tax Admin 3.0 for small business
    • will be considered in the identification of concepts to streamline the tax experience
    • has enhanced ATO’s understanding of the need to ensure changes to technology and the role of people and business processes are integrated, to collectively improve small business tax performance for successful digitalisation of tax administration.

    Consultation lead

    Andrew Watson, Small Business
    andrew.watson@ato.gov.au
    Phone 08 8208 1826

    [202224] User research – Retirement villages

    Consultation purpose

    To understand the retirement village life-cycle (including income tax, GST and commercial aspects) to identify:

    • if existing advice and guidance supports taxpayers to meet their obligations
    • opportunities to improve the operation of the tax system.

    Description

    The retirement village industry has materially evolved over the last few years with significant expansion in the sector. The ATO is seeking to understand the impacts.

    Who we consulted

    • Representatives of industry associations who are connected with or have expert knowledge of retirement villages
    • Tax and legal professionals

    Outcome of consultation

    Feedback provided has informed the ATO’s understanding of the retirement village life cycle. These insights will be taken into account in informing potential future engagement with the industry and its advisers.

    Consultation lead

    Rosie Cicchitti, Private Wealth
    rosie.cicchitti@ato.gov.au
    Phone 07 3213 8073

    [202225] Tax liability of legal personal representative of a deceased person

    Consultation purpose

    To seek feedback on the practical application of Practical Compliance Guideline PCG 2018/4 Income tax – liability of a legal personal representative of a deceased person.

    Description

    The Inspector-General of Taxation and Taxation Ombudsman published the Death and Taxes: An Investigation into ATO systems and processes for dealing with deceased estatesExternal Link report on 7 July 2020.

    Part (b) of recommendation 10 in the report recommended that the ATO conduct a post-implementation review of the PCG, in consultation with external stakeholders, to assess its effectiveness in providing sufficient certainty for legal personal representatives to finalise an estate.

    Who we consulted

    • Tax and law professional associations
    • Tax practitioners
    • Public trustees

    Outcome of consultation

    Feedback received is being considered for incorporation into the updated Practical Compliance Guideline

    Consultation lead

    Danijela Jablanovic, Individuals and Intermediaries
    danijela.jablanovic@ato.gov.au
    Phone 07 3213 5864

    [202223] Capital gains tax record keeping tools and calculators

    Consultation purpose

    To understand the capital gains tax (CGT) tools and calculators user experience to identify opportunities for improvement.

    Description

    The ATO has multiple CGT tools and calculators to support taxpayers in determining their CGT for lodgment of their tax returns.

    The ATO is undertaking research to:

    • understand current issues, irritants, experiences and behaviours to optimise future CGT tool solutions
    • identify opportunities to expand the use of ATO held CGT data to improve the taxpayer experience and compliance in reporting and calculation of CGT gains and losses.

    Who we consulted

    • Individual taxpayers
    • Tax practitioner representatives

    Outcome of consultation

    Consultation provided valuable feedback which will be considered in the development of enhancements to CGT tools and calculators.

    Consultation lead

    Dejan Markov, Enterprise Strategy and Design
    dejan.markov@ato.gov.au
    Phone 08 8208 3608

    [202222] Superannuation guarantee charge letter

    Consultation purpose

    To test tone and clarity of messaging in a proposed superannuation guarantee charge letter to businesses and tax practitioners.

    Description

    If employers do not pay an employee’s minimum superannuation amount on time and to the right fund, they must pay the superannuation guarantee charge to the ATO.

    The ATO engages with employers who are not meeting their superannuation guarantee obligations and/or their tax practitioners.

    Who we consulted

    • Small to medium business employers
    • Tax practitioners

    Outcome of consultation

    Feedback provided will be incorporated into the superannuation guarantee charge letter in future communication to clients.

    Consultation lead

    Kate Haymes, Enterprise Strategy and Design
    kate.haymes@ato.gov.au
    Phone 07 3119 9866

    [202221] FBT record keeping

    Consultation purpose

    To seek feedback on proposed Legislative Instruments and Explanatory Statements for the implementation of the FBT reduced record keeping budget measure, as published with the Fringe benefits tax – record keeping exposure draft legislationExternal Link consultation on treasury.gov.au

    Description

    The Fringe Benefits Tax — reducing the compliance burden of record keeping measure was announced the in the 2021–22 Budget.

    The measure will provide the Commissioner of Taxation with the power to allow employers to rely on existing corporate records as an alternative to existing requirements. This will reduce compliance costs for employers, while maintaining the integrity of the FBT system.

    For consultation on the associated legislation, see Fringe benefits tax – record keeping exposure draft legislationExternal Link on treasury.gov.au

    Who we consulted

    Outcome of consultation

    Feedback will be considered in finalisation of the legislative instruments and explanatory statements.

    Consultation lead

    Philip Borrell, Superannuation and Employer Obligations
    philip.borrell@ato.gov.au
    Phone 02 6058 7881

    [202220] Lodgment deferrals in Online services for agents

    Consultation purpose

    To co-design the lodgment deferral process in Online services for agents and test the functionality prior to implementation.

    Description

    The ATO is expanding Online services for agents services to include lodgment deferrals.

    The intent is to:

    • streamline the lodgment deferral request process
    • decrease request processing timeframes
    • provide visibility of the progress of requests.

    Who we consulted

    • Tax practitioner representatives
    • Digital service providers
    • Members of  

    Outcome of consultation

    Consultation provided valuable feedback which contributed to the design and build of the service and support material.

    Consultation lead

    Felix Manero, Individuals and Intermediaries
    OSfALodgmentDeferrals@ato.gov.au
    Phone 07 3213 3552

    [202219] Working from home deductions from 2022–23 tax year

    Consultation purpose

    To seek insights to inform guidance that will assist taxpayers in the calculation of their working from home deductions for 2022–23 and future income years.

    Description

    The temporary shortcut method was introduced to assist taxpayers to work out their working from home deductions between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2022.

    With the cessation of the shortcut method, the ATO is refreshing the fixed rate method for calculating work from home deductions.

    Who we consulted

    Outcome of consultation

    Feedback was considered for incorporation into Draft Practical Compliance Guideline PCG 2022/D4 Claiming a deduction for additional running expenses incurred while working from home – ATO compliance approach which was published for public consultation on 2 November 2022.

    Consultation lead

    Lloyd Williams, Individuals and Intermediaries
    lloyd.williams@ato.gov.au
    Phone 02 6216 1030

    [202218] User testing – Tax Time 2022 communications for individual taxpayers

    Consultation purpose

    To test the tone and clarity of Tax Time 2022 communications for individual taxpayers.

    Description

    Tax time communications provide taxpayers with guidance to help get it right when preparing their tax return.

    The ATO is user testing the communications for individual taxpayers to identify opportunities for refinement to improve the user experience. 

    Who we consulted

    Individual taxpayers 

    Outcome of consultation

    Feedback provided is being incorporated into future tax time communications to individual taxpayers.

    Consultation lead

    Kate Haymes, Enterprise Strategy and Design
    kate.haymes@ato.gov.au
    Phone 07 3119 9866

    [202217] MBR program companies release

    Consultation purpose

    To test the design and functionality of the proposed design of the Modernising Business Registers (MBR) program companies release to identify opportunities for refinement to improve the user experience prior to implementation.

    Description

    The companies release is part of the modernisation of business registers program, a component of the package of reforms to address illegal phoenixingExternal Link that was announced by government in September 2017 and received Royal Assent on 22 June 2020.

    The companies release will provide over 3 million companies with a more streamlined way to register, view and maintain company details using ABRS online.

    Consultation will be through a series of phases covering the ABRS website, company registrations, maintenance, and search.

    Who we consulted

    • Community who may use ABRS
    • Directors and intending directors
    • Company officeholders
    • Company administrators and intermediaries
    • Tax practitioners
    • Business representatives
    • Government agencies
    • Modernising Business Registers Business Advisory Group
    • Modernising Business Registers Design Working Group

    Outcome of consultation

    Consultation is discontinued. The Hon Stephen Jones MP, Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services, has announced the cessation of the Modernising Business Registers (MBR) program. The decision follows the Independent Review of the MBR program which was completed in July 2023.

    Consultation lead

    Jonathan Solomon, MBR Program
    mbrengagement@ato.gov.au
    Phone 07 3213 3183

    [202216] 2022 Review of the Taxpayers’ Charter

    Consultation purpose

    To seek feedback on the Taxpayers’ Charter.

    Description

    The ATO is committed to undertaking a regular review of the Taxpayers’ Charter to ensure it remains contemporary and:

    • meets community expectations about how the ATO engages with taxpayers in its administration of the tax, super and registry systems
    • accurately reflects what our clients can expect from the ATO when dealing with us
    • assists staff in their interactions with our clients
    • fulfils its purpose of advising the public of their rights when dealing with the ATO.

    The Charter should continue to support the ATO’s aim to build taxpayer confidence in the Australian tax and superannuation systems by helping people understand their rights and obligations, improving ease of compliance and access to benefits, and managing non-compliance with the law.

    The Inspector-General of Taxation and Taxation Ombudsman made a series of recommendations on the Charter in its 2020–21 Investigation into the effectiveness of ATO communications of taxpayers’ rights to complain, review and appeal.

    Who we consulted

    • Taxpayers
    • Industry associations
    • Professional associations, including those representing    
      • business sectors
      • tax and bookkeeping professionals
      • culturally and linguistically diverse audiences
    • Members of the    

    Outcome of consultation

    A high volume of feedback, mainly from accounting, legal, and diverse audiences, identified opportunities to improve the Charter. All feedback will be considered for incorporation into an update of the Charter.

    Consultation lead

    Chris Cook, ATO Corporate
    chris.cook@ato.gov.au
    Phone 02 6216 6355

    [202214] Enterprise Client Register

    Consultation purpose

    To seek insights into agents’ experience and understanding of their role in the integrity of the Enterprise Client Register.

    Description

    The Enterprise Client Register is the key source of client information used in every client interaction across the ATO.

    The ATO will:

    • explore differing agent business models and any impact on updating client contact details
    • seek to understand the intermediary experience with client contact details
    • identify opportunities to improve the user experience.

    Who we consulted

    • Tax agents
    • BAS agents

    Outcome of consultation

    Consultation provided valuable insights into the Enterprise Client Register user experience and identified opportunities for improvement.

    Consultation lead

    Tina Markov, Client Account Services
    tina.markov@ato.gov.au
    Phone 08 8208 1428

    [202213] Advance pricing arrangements program review

    Consultation purpose

    To seek feedback on the advance pricing arrangement (APA) program.

    Description

    We will be undertaking a review of the APA Program in 2022, with a primary focus on:

    • whether the APA product continues provide the right service for all taxpayers
    • assuring transfer pricing risk in the most efficient manner possible.

    Who we consulted

    • Taxpayers
    • Tax advisory firms
    • Tax industry associations
    • Other APA program participants

    Outcome of consultation

    Feedback provided valuable insights which will be used to guide further improvement of the APA Program.

    Consultation lead

    Tien Phan, Assistant Commissioner, Public Groups and International
    tien.phan@ato.gov.au
    Phone 03 8632 5283

    [202212] Automatic Exchange of Information guide and toolkit for Reporting Financial Institutions

    Consultation purpose

    To seek input and insights on a proposed Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) self-review guide and toolkit for Reporting Financial Institutions.

    Description

    The guide will assist and support Reporting Financial Institutions to self-review their internal control framework to ensure they meet AEOI compliance obligations, which cover Common Reporting Standard and Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act obligations.

    It will include practical guidance for self-review of core elements:

    • AEOI governance
    • due diligence
    • reporting systems
    • data testing.

    Who we consulted

    • Tax practitioners
    • Financial institutions

    Outcome of consultation

    Feedback received was considered and incorporated into the AEOI Self-review guide and toolkit.

    Consultation lead

    Jaydon Beatty, Public Groups and International
    jaydon.beatty@ato.gov.au
    Phone 02 6216 4158

    [202211] Deduction for entering into a conservation covenant

    Consultation purpose

    To seek feedback on:

    • the ATO’s preliminary position regarding deductibility, under Division 31, when a conservation covenant is entered into to satisfy environmental approvals for a mining project
    • whether public advice and guidance is required and the type of guidance.

    Description

    Division 31 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 provides for a deduction for the decrease in the market value of land when a perpetual conservation covenant over your land is entered into provided certain conditions are satisfied.

    Deductions for the decrease in the market value of the land must be based on a valuation obtained from the ATO.

    Valuation requests from taxpayers, in the energy and resources sector, have raised questions about whether taxpayers entering a conservation covenant, to meet environmental approval conditions for mining projects, receive material benefits which would disqualify them from receiving a deduction.

    Who we consulted

    Energy and Resources Working Group

    Outcome of consultation

    Feedback will be used to guide our communication strategy relating to valuation requests for conservation covenants from Energy and Resources Working Group members.

    Consultation lead

    John Churchill, Office of the Chief Tax Counsel
    john.churchill2@ato.gov.au
    Phone 03 6221 0258

    [202210] eInvoicing communications

    Consultation purpose

    To seek insights from eInvoicing users and their intermediaries to inform future messaging and engagement activities related to raising awareness and driving adoption of eInvoicing across Australia.

    Description

    The ATO is leading activities to raise awareness and drive adoption of eInvoicing in Australia. This includes working with businesses, intermediaries, service providers, and all levels of government to understand their current invoicing processes and support them in adopting eInvoicing to realise the economic benefits of eInvoicing.

    The ATO will:

    • seek to understand the current invoicing process for all stakeholders
    • establish current knowledge and awareness levels
    • develop supporting materials for various segments and validate their effectiveness.

    Who we consulted

    • Small to medium enterprise businesses
    • Tax professionals
    • Digital service providers

    Outcome of consultation

    Feedback provided will be used to shape the ATO’s eInvoicing awareness activities and messaging with intermediaries and small businesses. Insights will also be communicated to accounting software providers to improve future user experiences.

    Consultation lead

    Patrick Brophy, Enterprise Solutions and Technology
    patrick.brophy@ato.gov.au
    Phone 02 6216 1940

    [202207] User testing – Online services for foreign investors

    Consultation purpose

    To seek insights to inform the design and build of Online services for foreign investors (formerly known as the Foreign Ownership of Australian Assets Register).

    Description

    The ATO is developing Online services for foreign investors which will replace and expand upon the existing Foreign Ownership of Water Entitlements Register and Foreign Ownership of Agricultural Land Register. This supports reforms to Australia’s Foreign Investment Framework.

    Consultation will consider:

    • navigation
    • functionality – including but not limited to payments, registration, and maintenance of registration
    • usability.

    Who we consulted

    • Foreign persons, or their representative, who apply to acquire or register ownership of foreign assets on their own behalf or for entities
    • Solicitors and conveyancers registering for clients

    Outcome of consultation

    Consultation provided valuable input into the design and build of Online services for foreign investors, as well as shaping the information that will be included in web content and communications.

    Consultation lead

    Rebecca Northey, Public Groups and International
    rebecca.northey@ato.gov.au
    Phone 02 4923 1900

    [202206] GST offsetting between unrelated entities

    Consultation purpose

    To seek feedback on paragraph 5 of the Law Administration Practice Statement PS LA 2011/21 Offsetting of refunds and credits against taxation and other debts to provide greater clarity to support ATO staff decision-making and to support taxpayers in self-assessing whether requesting such an offset is appropriate.

    Description

    Paragraph 5 of PS LA 2011/21 provides guidance to ATO staff where a taxpayer requests to have their refund or credit offset against the tax debt of another entity.

    The current guidance does not provide assistance in determining the circumstances in which the criteria would be satisfied for the Commissioner to agree to perform such an offset. For instance, in practice we think it would be rare that paying the refund in this manner would be an efficient, effective, economical and ethical use of public resources for which the Commissioner is responsible.

    Who we consulted

    Tax advisory firms

    Outcome of consultation

    Feedback provided valuable insights and suggestions for potential improvements to our guidance.

    Consultation lead

    Renae Carter, Small Business
    renae.carter@ato.gov.au
    Phone 02 9374 2942

    [202205] Corporate Collective Investment Vehicle

    Consultation purpose

    To identify, prioritise, and address administrative and interpretative issues that require support to implement the new Corporate Collective Investment Vehicle (CCIV) measure.

    Description

    In the 2021–22 federal Budget, the Australian Government announced that it will progress the tax and regulatory framework for the CCIV with a commencement date of 1 July 2022.

    The new legislation aligns the tax framework for the CCIV regime with the tax regime for attribution managed investment trusts (AMITs). CCIVs will be required to meet similar eligibility criteria as managed investment trusts (MITs). This includes being widely held and engaging primarily in passive investment activities. CCIVs that are not eligible for AMIT tax treatment will be subject to the ordinary trust taxation rules in Division 6 or trading trust rules in Division 6C, as applicable, of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936.

    As a CCIV is a new corporate entity, deemed to be a trust for tax purposes, there are a range of administrative considerations and tax interaction issues to resolve to ensure implementation by 1 July 2022; for example, registration, eligibility, distributions, reporting.

    Who we consulted

    • Advisers with significant managed fund experience
    • Representatives from industry associations, including    
      • Financial Services Council
      • Property Council of Australia
      • Law Council of Australia
      • Australian Custodial Services Association

    Outcome of consultation

    Consultation:

    • facilitated identification of operational and administrative issues and provided valuable feedback which contributed to the design and build of the tax administrative framework and support material for the CCIV regime
    • provided valuable insights on interpretive issues which will be further considered in the development of public advice and guidance.

    Consultation lead

    Blake Sly, Public Groups and International
    blake.sly@ato.gov.au
    Phone 02 4923 1814

    [202204] Self-assessed income tax exempt not-for-profits

    Consultation purpose

    To understand the impacts that the government announced reform will have on self-assessing income tax exempt not-for-profits (NFPs) and co-design the lodgment process.

    Description

    Currently NFPs who self-assess their own eligibility for income tax exemption are not required to report their eligibility to the ATO.

    In the May 2021–22 Budget, the Australian Government announced reforms to the administration of NFP entities that self-assess as income tax exempt. From 1 July 2023, non-charitable NFPs with an active ABN will be required to lodge an annual self-review return to access income tax exemption, submitting the information they ordinarily use to self-assess their eligibility for income tax exemption.

    The ATO will explore:

    • how NFPs currently self-assess income tax exempt eligibility
    • impacts of the changes on NFPs
    • expectations for implementation
    • support and guidance NFPs will need through the change.

    The ATO will consult the sector to:

    • user-test and iteratively refine the new annual self-review return
    • co-develop practical support and refresh public guidance

    validate the ATO’s administrative approach.

    Who we consulted

    Members of the Tax Practitioner Stewardship Group

    Outcome of consultation

    The consultation objectives to understand sector impacts and co-design the lodgment process have been successfully achieved. As a direct result of insights and co-design feedback the following enhancements to the taxpayer experience have been implemented:

    • streamlining the NFP self-review return from over 20 questions to 5 core questions to determine eligibility for an income tax exemption
    • introducing tailored and guided logic and help text to make the return easier to complete
    • providing an alternative self-help phone lodgment service for NFPs having trouble accessing the digital return in Online services
    • additional time to lodge through to 31 March 2025
    • transitional support for taxable NFPs, including
      • concessional due date to lodge and pay income tax return
      • remission of general interest charge and penalties
      • flexible payment plans
      • support to reconstruct tax records
      • focusing on lodgment of the 2023–24 income year and onwards, noting we may take compliance action if we identify deliberate past tax evasion or fraud
    • introducing a new non-lodgment advice form for taxable NFPs to meet their income tax return reporting obligations
    • providing an NFP governance checklist to assist NFPs in meeting their broader tax and super obligations.

    Lodgment data and feedback from the NFP sector have validated that the return is straightforward and takes less than 10 minutes to complete. However, the sector continues to experience challenges updating their Australian business number details and setting up myID and Relationship Authorisation Manager to access the digital return.

    The next phase of consultation will focus on supporting the digital onboarding of the sector and lodgment education and support.

    Consultation lead

    Jennifer Moltisanti, Small Business
    jennifer.moltisanti@ato.gov.au
    Phone 03 9285 1711

    [202203] Build-to-rent

    Consultation purpose

    To explore the emerging models of Build-to-rent developments in Australia to understand the opportunities to support the industry with their tax obligations.

    Description

    Build-to-rent is forecast to take off over the next 5 years.

    We are seeing growing interest from industry and government with incentives and concessions for Build-to-rent developments increasing.

    Who we consulted

    • Members of the    
    • State Government representatives

    Outcome of consultation

    Consultation provided valuable insights into the Build-to-Rent industry, highlighting the complexity and improving ATO’s understanding of the various Build-to-Rent models and associated tax issues.

    Consultation lead

    Peter Chester, Private Wealth
    peter.chester@ato.gov.au
    Phone 07 3213 5957

    [202201] 2022 Digital Services Gateway APIs

    Consultation purpose

    To co-design Digital Services Gateway (DSG) features and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).

    Description

    The DSG was implemented in 2021 to enable lightweight APIs to support digital service providers deliver tax and superannuation services.

    Who we consulted

    Digital service providers

    Outcome of consultation

    Digital service providers shared valuable insights which contributed to the development of DSG APIs.

    Consultation lead

    Sonia Lark, Digital Partnership Office, Enterprise Solutions and Technology
    sonia.lark@ato.gov.au
    Phone 02 4725 7460

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Business

    Source:

    Following the introduction of the public CBC reporting regime in Australia, the ATO is committed to ensuring clear and effective guidance on its administration.

    One key component of this regime is the exemption process, which allows certain entities to apply for full or partial exemptions from public reporting requirements under specific circumstances.

    To support the fair and transparent administration of exemptions, we are developing a draft Practice Statement (PSLA) to outline the criteria, evidence requirements, and decision-making framework. The PSLA will outline the Commissioner of Taxation’s approach to proposed public CBC reporting exemptions in the Treasury Laws Amendment (Responsible Buy Now Pay Later and Other Measures) Bill 2024. The guidance will include:

    • the process for submitting applications
    • information that should be provided with applications
    • considerations relevant to the exercise of the discretion sought.

    This initiative builds on feedback received during the consultation process for the drafting of the public CBC reporting and aims to provide clarity and certainty to affected multinational entities (MNEs).

    MIL OSI News