NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: ‘Drill Baby, Drill’: Report shows Woodside hell-bent on profit while people and nature pay the price

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    SYDNEY/PERTH, Tuesday 25 February 2025 — Greenpeace Australia Pacific has condemned gas corporation Woodside’s annual earnings announcement today, saying its billion dollar profits come at the expense of Australian communities and nature on the frontlines of extreme weather disasters.

    The fossil fuel multinational reported AUD$3.57 billion in net profits after tax for 2024, a 115% year-on-year increase, as output rose to a record high.

    Joe Rafalowicz, Head of Climate and Energy at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said: “With so many Australians struggling to pay for groceries or rent as the cost of living crisis rages on, it’s not right that fossil fuel corporations are raking in billions from destroying our planet. 

    “Communities across Australia are reeling from the extreme weather disasters unfolding every summer, which the Insurance Council estimates will cost $35.2 billion a year by 2050. It is immoral for fossil fuel corporations like Woodside to toast their profits today, while people on the frontlines are left to pick up the tab when floods or bushfires destroy their homes. 

    “As Ningaloo Reef suffers another mass coral bleaching, Woodside is hell-bent to ‘Drill Baby, Drill’ for even more polluting gas at neighbouring Scott Reef. We must not allow the nature we love to become another victim of the fossil fuel industry’s endless pursuit of profit.

    “The era of rampant corporate greed must end — it’s time for fossil fuel polluters to pay for the climate destruction they are unleashing on communities in Australia, the Pacific and around the world. We must hold polluters like Woodside accountable for their propaganda and for knowingly holding back climate action in this country.

    “Let’s invest in the proven climate solutions we have right now — renewable wind and solar energy backed by storage. Greenpeace will continue to advocate for clean, safe, affordable renewable energy that will reduce global emissions and ensure a livable planet for all.”

    Policies to make polluters pay are gaining momentum around the world, with governments including New York and Vermont introducing legislation forcing fossil fuel companies to pay for the climate destruction caused by their emissions. 

    -ENDS-

    For more information or interviews contact Kate O’Callaghan on 0406 231 892 or [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Following Dangerous Cuts to Transportation Workforce, Rosen Joins Colleagues to Demand Trump Administration Prioritize Safety

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen, a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, joined colleagues in a letter urging Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy to stop the mass layoffs and firing of essential transportation safety employees and instead focus on prioritizing safety. In the letter, the lawmakers demand information regarding Department of Transportation plans to protect passengers and prevent future airline crashes. 
    “At the Department of Transportation, safety must come first, but that commitment appears in doubt as the Trump administration promotes cost-cutting over protecting the public,” wrote the Senators. “By offering to buy out federal employees, ordering government agencies to prepare for mass layoffs, firing employees with critical safety functions, giving Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) free reign to cut the federal workforce, and turning Musk, DOGE, and their unqualified staff loose on the air traffic control system, the Trump administration risks undermining decades of safety improvements.”
    “We urge you to cease this dangerous approach to governing and request important information on how the Department of Transportation (DOT) plans to prioritize safety in this environment,” they continued.
    The lawmakers requested responses by March 3 to questions that include:  

    How many DOT employees were offered the buyout? How many accepted? 
    How many DOT employees have lost their jobs since January 20, 2025?  
    What is Musk’s and DOGE’s role in reviewing DOT personnel and program information? 
    What steps is the Department taking to ensure that Musk and the DOGE do not compromise public safety? 

    The full letter can be found HERE.
    As a member of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Senator Rosen has been an advocate for Nevada’s transportation and infrastructure interests. Earlier this year, she announced more than $700,000 to improve transportation for tribal communities in Nevada. She worked to write and pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to create good-paying jobs and upgrade Nevada’s infrastructure. Last year, she secured $275 million to improve and expand I-80 to reduce congestion in Northern Nevada.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Going for Growth: Public Works Act overhaul

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Public Works Act will undergo its most significant reform in nearly 50-years to help unleash an infrastructure boom, Land Information Minister Chris Penk has announced.  
    “Removing barriers to make it faster and more affordable to build the homes Kiwis need, creating jobs through new projects and providing infrastructure to support better public services is a major part of the Government’s economic growth agenda,” Mr Penk says.  
    “Complex regulations and inefficient processes are slowing down development, resulting in blown out budgets and added costs for taxpayers. 
    “The Public Works Act is the mechanism which empowers us to acquire land for new infrastructure, while ensuring that fair compensation is provided to landowners – but it is no longer fit for purpose,” Mr Penk says.  
    “A targeted review last year has found unnecessary duplication in the system, issues with outdated negotiation processes and disjointed government agency practices. 
    “Right now, it takes up to a year on average to acquire land. If compulsory acquisition is required, the process generally takes up to two years, with at least another year tacked on if objections to the Environment Court are made.  
    “We cannot afford this in the face of a productivity crisis and critical infrastructure deficit. A modernised Public Works Act will set the foundation for building better.” 
    Extensive policy changes will be announced over coming weeks. The first tranche will:  

    Delegate land acquisition responsibility: Empower government agencies like the New Zealand Transport Agency, which regularly use the Public Works Act, to enter into acquisition agreements with landowners. The Minister for Land Information will remain responsible for compulsory acquisition by the Crown.  
    Enable collaboration between agencies: Allow government agencies to work together when acquiring land for connected public projects. Instead of each agency acquiring land separately, they will be able to coordinate acquisition of land as needed to make the process smoother. 
    Enable relocation of infrastructure: Allow both the government and local authorities to acquire land when they need to move existing infrastructure (like powerlines or pipes) that are in the way of new public works. 
    Refine the role of the Environment Court: Clarify the factors that the Environment Court can consider when reviewing objections to land acquisitions for public works, with a renewed focus on individual property rights, removing overlap with the Resource Management Act. 
    Require mediation for compensation disputes: Require that parties try to resolve disputes over compensation through mediation or alternative dispute resolution before going to the Land Valuation Tribunal, to avoid lengthy court proceedings where possible.  
    Allow Transpower to bypass standard processes: Enable Transpower, the State-Owned Enterprise managing New Zealand’s power grid, to use the Public Works Act to acquire land by agreement. This would streamline their process for building energy infrastructure.  

    “We have already announced the Government will fix a discrepancy in the Public Works Act which undervalues Māori freehold land compared to other land types,” Mr Penk says.  “Further improvements will be revealed as we prepare to introduce the Public Works Amendment Bill to Parliament around the middle of 2025.” The public will be able to provide feedback during the select committee process.  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Millions spent to rehash bad ideas on retail crime

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    The Government has spent $3.6 million dollars on a retail crime advisory group, including paying its chair $920 a day, to come up with ideas already dismissed as dangerous by police.

    “Instead of focusing on real solutions, the Government has wasted millions on an advisory group that took several months to release a report, only to recycle old and bad ideas,” Labour police spokesperson Ginny Andersen said.

    “Worse still, they’re paying Sunny Kaushal $920 a day to deliver a report with dangerous recommendations, like encouraging people to take the law into their own hands, which police have already rejected because they would put both retailers and the public at risk.

    “These are millions of dollars that could have gone to resourcing frontline police. Instead, they’re being used to pay a lofty salary for Kaushal to rehash his bad ideas.

    “His advisory group initially promised recommendations within weeks, but after months of delay, they’ve produced proposals that encourage citizens to use force against retail crime, something Police have consistently warned is unsafe.

    “This Government promised New Zealanders they would fix retail crime, but so far, all they’ve delivered is a hefty bill and no results.

    “The reality is they still don’t have a plan. This Government promised 500 more police officers, but they’re losing officers faster than they can recruit. Meanwhile, methamphetamine use is skyrocketing and instead of addressing the root causes of crime, they’re focusing on distractions like confiscating gang patches.

    “We need a government that will keep communities safe and break the cycle of crime, not one that wastes millions on rehashing bad ideas,” Ginny Andersen said.

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    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: How pumped hydro can provide the stability Australia’s energy transition needs

    Source: Allens Insights

    A reliable, durable and large-scale storage solution 10 min read

    Australia’s favourable natural geographical landscape and abundance of retiring mine sites provide a unique opportunity for pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) to play a key role in driving the energy transition in this country. By delivering consistent, long-duration, dispatchable capacity during peak demand, PHES can help stabilise the system when other technologies may struggle.

    The past two years have seen a surge in the uptake of battery energy storage systems (BESS). However, firming assets such as BESS and intermittent generators such as wind and solar are constrained by weather conditions, redundancy and, in the case of BESS, capacity and duration limits. These constraints highlight the need for a more reliable, durable, large-scale storage solution to complement the other technologies.

    In the first part of our pumped hydro Insight series, we explore the drivers behind the growing uptake of PHES in Australia, and highlight key considerations for developers, investors, financiers, contractors and other stakeholders assessing such projects.

    Key takeaways

    • There is growing interest in PHES as a long-term, firm, long-duration dispatchable asset that is unconstrained by weather, technology, asset life or capacity limitations.
    • Approximately 20 PHES projects are actively being developed in Australia, with over 22,000 sites identified as suitable for a PHES.
    • PHES projects are capital intensive and inherently complex in their planning, procurement, delivery and commercialisation. These factors necessitate careful planning, robust risk mitigation strategies and proactive engagement with stakeholders to ensure the success of PHES over the long term.

    What’s driving the uptake of PHES in Australia?

    There is no doubt that interest in PHES as an energy generation and storage solution is growing. There are a number of key drivers behind this.

    While BESS are an important part of the storage solution, they have limitations. Most BESS projects range between 200MW and 500MW, with larger projects, such as Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub’s 1,200MW battery, still only half the size of Snowy Hydro 2.0’s 2,200MW project. BESS typically provide around four hours of dispatchable energy before needing to recharge, while PHES can deliver up to 175 hours.

    BESS also have a shorter asset life of around 20 years, with a steady degradation profile down to 60–70% of the nameplate capacity over time, whereas PHES projects are designed to last over 50 years. While BESS technology is still maturing on a utility scale, PHES has a long-established track record and doesn’t face the same fire risk, making it a more sustainable option for long-term energy storage.

    In 2017, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency and the Australian National University identified 22,000 potential ‘bluefield’ PHES sites across Australia, with an estimated energy storage capacity of 67,000GWh. Many of these sites are in areas with natural elevation differences that facilitate the construction of connected upper and lower reservoirs with minimal excavation. The proximity of these sites to natural water sources, such as rivers and dams, would allow these projects to leverage existing water systems to create the necessary reservoirs.

    PHES can also take a ‘closed-loop’ form, where water is transported to a site away from existing river systems and cycled between the two reservoirs. This type of system can be located where topographical features support it, allowing for new PHES facilities to be co-located with solar and wind generation projects in renewable energy zones, boosting grid reliability in those areas.

    The planned and accelerated closure of mine sites presents a unique opportunity for owners to repurpose aging mines into PHES projects. Sites such as Kidston, Mt Rawdon and Muswellbrook show how former mine sites can be transformed into PHES facilities, capitalising on rehabilitation obligations and the potential for long-term, revenue-generating assets.

    Australia has over 60,000 abandoned mine sites, posing challenges for owners who must manage costly rehabilitation efforts on non-revenue-generating assets. With around 75% of mine closures being unplanned or premature, there is an opportunity to repurpose these sites into valuable operational assets. Many of these sites have existing excavated pits that can be used as reservoirs for closed-loop PHES, reducing excavation risk costs and supporting mining companies’ rehabilitation goals through sustainable energy projects.

    The Federal Government and most state governments are supporting private sector-led PHES projects through grants, concessional debt, revenue underwrites and streamlined approvals processes.

    In NSW, EnergyCo’s Pumped Hydro Recoverable Grants Program, which is part of the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, helps developers with the cost of early-stage feasibility studies. Additionally, developers can tender for Long-Term Energy Service Agreements (LTESA) in NSW and the Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) across Australia. The NSW Energy Security Corporation (which received $1 billion in funding and will act as the state equivalent of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation) has been mandated to investigate co-investment opportunities with the private sector on energy storage projects, including PHES.

    Although no LTESA or CIS have been awarded to a PHES project yet, the NSW Government has shown strong long-term support for long-duration storage with an updated position to the Electricity Infrastructure Investment Act 2020 (NSW). By retaining the minimum dispatch duration definition at eight hours and broadening the long-duration storage LTESA assessment criteria, PHES projects are positioned to benefit from future government support. Similarly, under the proposed South Australian Firm Energy Reliability Mechanism, PHES projects offering dispatchable energy for at least eight hours will be able to bid for contracts to underwrite a portion of their revenue, complementing other state and federal policies.

    After the infrastructure boom of the past decade, the pace of the transport infrastructure sector has slowed, while demand for energy infrastructure has risen. Civil contractors with experience in metro, rail and road projects are now focusing on energy projects to capitalise on the available work.

    The civil infrastructure required for PHES, such as deep excavation, tunnelling and the construction of underground caverns and access routes, is similar to that required for transport infrastructure. Contractors with heavy engineering, excavation and tunnelling experience, and an available workforce, are well positioned to apply their skills to PHES projects.

    What challenges are emerging?

    Despite strong drivers and the promising potential of PHES, the uptake and reaching contract close of PHES transactions has lagged behind short to medium duration BESS, wind and solar projects.

    PHES projects are inherently complex and capital intensive, with several key challenges emerging.

    PHES projects typically require large areas of land, which can lead to complex environmental impacts, particularly biodiversity, water resources and, potentially, cultural heritage, and significant challenges with site access and spoil management. As a result, they require more detailed environmental impact assessments and complex approvals processes compared with BESS projects. In addition to state planning approval and environmental licences, PHES projects often require approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth), as well as being subject to any remediation obligations under any relevant mining tenements and approvals if located on a mine site.

    Securing land tenure is another significant challenge, especially when land is required within national parks, is over land held by Aboriginal land councils or land where native title is still active.

    Water entitlements and licences, crucial for establishing reservoirs, are also a key consideration, particularly for closed-loop projects. While some states, such as NSW, have introduced a special category of water licences for initial fills, these licences may come with restrictions that limit pumping from nearby water sources to periods of high flow, presenting programming challenges. In addition to securing the necessary approvals and resources, early engagement with traditional owners, landowners and local communities is essential for obtaining a social licence to operate.

    We have seen a continuing shift in risk transfer across energy and infrastructure. For PHES, in particular, this has been driven by a limited pool of experienced civil contractors with PHES experience in Australia, a lack of competition among original equipment manufacturer suppliers, and supply chain impacts and increasing demand for energy projects. A consequence of this shift has been the growing use of disaggregated contract packages, including in PHES procurement.

    By splitting contracts, developers can distribute risk among multiple parties and limit exposure to contractor insolvency, with each contractor focusing on their specialist area. Ideally, this improves quality and efficiency, at a more competitive price. However, this approach can create challenges, particularly for developers and financiers, introducing interface gap risks between the contractors, and resulting in smaller sizing for caps and security packages.

    Transport infrastructure procurement has traditionally been driven by state governments, creating a concentrated and aligned purchasing power that drove well-understood risk profiles. The energy infrastructure market is comparatively more diffused, involving a mix of government and private developers, contractors of all tiers and international entrants. This has meant that ‘market standard’ positions are fluid and highly bespoke contracts are being developed.

    An added complexity is that PHES procurement to date has been led by government-developers who are able to use collaborative commercial models with unfixed, variable cost elements. This is more difficult for private developers with limited funding sources who are required to demonstrate bankability to financiers. A balance will need to be struck between developers’ and financiers’ desire for firm pricing and transferred risk, with the contracting market’s calls for flexible, uncapped, commercial models.

    The contractor-led market has brought with it a rise in collaborative contracting in the infrastructure sector and the market is evolving. As an example, NSW and Victoria have adopted incentivised target cost models in infrastructure procurement projects, and Snowy 2.0 shifted from a traditional engineering, procurement and construction model to an incentivised target cost model. While the rise in collaborative contracting has not involved a full-scale move from wrapped lump sum to alliance models, there is an increased focus on fair risk allocation, considering each party’s ability to manage risks.

    In the PHES space, risk associated with input material costs, labour costs and underground work have been the particular focus of collaborative risk-sharing arrangements.

    • Input material and labour costs: PHES projects rely on significant quantities of materials such as concrete and steel, but supply chain issues and material cost escalation could increase project prices and timeframes. Additionally, the scale and construction duration of PHES projects requires substantial labour compared with other assets, with the remoteness of some projects potentially necessitating relocation packages and project-specific camps to attract skilled workers. Enterprise bargaining agreements can mitigate these challenges. However, the long construction period on PHES projects means that enterprise bargaining agreements are more likely to be renegotiated during delivery, reopening labour costs and creating the risk of industrial disputes. Given market changes, sensible and targeted risk-sharing mechanisms should be considered upfront to optimise value for money.
    • Underground work: PHES projects are complex and involve extensive subterranean work. While owners and developers can undertake geotechnical investigations prior to construction commencing, those have limitations, so a geotechnical risk-sharing mechanism is often needed. Geotechnical Baseline Reports are commonly used to set the agreed baseline conditions for tunnels and reservoirs, which serve as the test for any time or cost adjustments.

    Site selection is crucial for PHES projects, as suitable locations are often farther from existing grid infrastructure, leading to higher and more variable grid connection costs compared with BESS projects. Developers must ensure clarity on connection fees payable by a developer to the relevant network service provider and carefully consider the terms of connection agreements.

    Additionally, developers should be aware of the generator performance standards and how they align with other regulatory approvals for the project.

    A key challenge for developers is monetising storage projects and accessing debt capital markets. In the second part of our pumped hydro Insight series, we will explore the challenges, considerations and opportunities that developers, financiers and stakeholders face in monetising and creating stable revenue streams for PHES projects. Stay tuned.

    Actions that you can take now

    If you are considering entering the PHES space, as either a developer, investor, contractor, or financier, it is important to consider the following:

    • Strategic site selection: Rehabilitating existing assets, such as former mines or cleared agricultural sites with low biodiversity and cultural heritage value, and easy access water supply, may reduce planning delays, simplify environmental approval, and, for mine sites, limit the need for extensive excavation.
    • Early engagement: Engage early with all relevant parties, including local government, the community, traditional owners, landholders, consent authorities, regulators, contractors, geotechnical experts, financiers and government programs. The work done early in the project, and through concept and procurement processes, is crucial to the success of your PHES project.
    • Monitor the market: As more PHES projects emerge, market trends in commercial models, risk profiles and offtake strategies will evolve.
    • Adapting to changing regulations and government policies: We expect the regulatory landscape and government policies will evolve to better support PHES projects. Staying updated on these changes will be key to your project’s success.

    Keep an eye out for future Insights in the pumped hydro series, where we will expand further on the offtake and financing strategies that will underpin the bankability and revenue generation of PHES projects.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Embedding the right to paid family and domestic violence leave in our workplaces

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    Joint with:

    SENATOR THE HON KATY GALLAGHER
    MINISTER FOR FINANCE
    MINISTER FOR WOMEN
    MINISTER FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE
    MINISTER FOR GOVERNMENT SERVICES
     

    THE HON AMANDA RISHWORTH MP
    MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SERVICES
    MINISTER FOR THE NATIONAL DISABILITY INSURANCE SCHEME

    SENATOR THE HON MURRAY WATT
    MINISTER FOR EMPLOYMENT AND WORKPLACE RELATIONS

    The Albanese Labor Government is reaffirming its commitment to end violence against women and children in one generation, today releasing the response to the independent review of the paid family and domestic violence leave.

    The independent review, conducted by Flinders University, found the leave was “life changing” for those who accessed it and that there was broad stakeholder support from both employers and unions.

    It found paid family and domestic violence leave is working as intended, supporting the financial security of those escaping or experiencing violence.

    The Government accepts all five recommendations from the review. Work is now underway to address the recommendations, including through:

    • Continued focus on raising awareness to integrate the leave as an ordinary workplace practice across Australian workplaces;
    • Tailored guidance for priority cohorts, such as First Nations, culturally and linguistically diverse and casual employees;
    • Training programs for first responders, health, allied health and community frontline workers who commonly interact with victim-survivors on the entitlement;
    • Additional strategies to improve awareness and access to the entitlement, opportunities to better understand usage of the leave, and further evaluation of the leave through the upcoming statutory review of Closing Loopholes reforms.

    The review also made 12 findings, the most notable, was there should be a focus on increasing awareness and understanding of the leave entitlement through communities and workplaces.

    It also found that ongoing stigma around family and domestic violence was a barrier to workers accessing the leave.

    Resources will be updated and repromoted to incorporate feedback from the review.

    The Government response highlights the important role that workplaces can play in addressing family and domestic violence. There is considerable goodwill from employees and employers alike to make sure anyone who needs the leave can access it, and the workplace is equipped to play its part in supporting people experiencing family and domestic violence.

    The Albanese Government will continue to engage with unions, employer groups, and state and territory governments on strategies to improve awareness and access to the leave.

    Paid family and domestic violence leave is just one of many actions the Albanese Government has taken to improve economic security for women and end gender-based violence.

    You can find the Government response and the review’s findings on the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations website.

    For more information on paid family and domestic violence leave, see the Fair Work Ombudsman’s guidance material and the one-stop shop hub for small business: www.10DayspaidFDVLeave.com

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Women Katy Gallagher:

    “Since coming to government, we have been deeply committed to ending gender-based violence – we were proud to introduce paid domestic and family violence leave as some of our first legislation, and the independent review has demonstrated its life changing impact.

    “The Opposition refused to implement this important change during their years in government, but the Albanese Government listened to the sector, unions and victim-survivors, and we can see the results – more women accessing important and life changing support.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth:

    “Paid family and domestic violence leave from work will save lives. This entitlement will allow victim-survivors to take time off to keep themselves and their family safe, without losing their income or their jobs.  

    “Everyone has a role to play to end violence against women and children. It’s vital to that first responders and frontline workers have the right training and education about paid family and domestic leave, so that they can best support victim-survivors of family and domestic violence.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Murray Watt:    

    “No worker should have to choose between their safety and their pay. We’ve made sure all 12.4 million Australian employees, including casuals, can access 10 days’ paid leave each year when impacted by family and domestic violence.

    “This leave has been life changing for Australians so far, and the Albanese Labor Government is committed to raising awareness, understanding and uptake, so that anyone who would benefit from this leave can access it.

    “But it’s under threat from Peter Dutton and the Coalition – Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Michaelia Cash claimed paid family and domestic violence leave is a “perverse disincentive” to employers hiring women.

    “Peter Dutton and the Coalition need to tell Australians whether this leave will be part of the “targeted set of repeals” of workplace laws they’ve promised to take to the election.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Albanese Labor Government building Australia’s mobile future

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    The Albanese Labor Government has today announced a major world first reform to provide basic universal outdoor mobile coverage across Australia.

    Labor’s Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) will require mobile carriers to provide access to mobile voice and SMS almost everywhere across Australia.  

    UOMO will ensure up to 5 million square kilometres of new competitive outdoor mobile coverage across Australia, including over 37,000 kilometres on regional roads.

    Whether it’s in national parks, hiking trails or out on the farm, outdoor coverage will be accessible almost anywhere where Australians can see the sky.

    The Albanese Government’s policy objectives are to: 

    • expand Triple Zero access for Australians across the nation; 
    • expand outdoor voice and SMS coverage into existing mobile black spots; and
    • improve the availability of mobile signals during disasters and power outages.

    This reform is only possible due to the transformative global innovations in Low Earth Orbit Satellites (LEOSats), and the arrival of Direct to Device (D2D) technology, which enables signals from space direct to mobile devices.

    The Government will consult and introduce legislation in 2025 to expand the universal service framework to incorporate mobile coverage for the first time.

    Implementation of outdoor SMS and voice will be expected by late 2027, with many Australians likely to obtain access before then.

    Basic mobile data will be considered in the future as technology roadmaps and capacity considerations develop.

    The Government will work with stakeholders and industry to get the legislation right, including flexibility where warranted by supply, spectrum and other factors.

    The Albanese Government will also engage with industry and examine incentives and removal of barriers to support public interest objectives and competition outcomes.

    Only the Albanese Labor Government has a plan to build Australia’s future, including delivering $3 billion to complete the building of the fibre NBN.

    With global industry expected to launch D2D messaging this year, the Government is moving to ensure this technology becomes an addition to a modernised and expanded voice Universal Service Obligation, including maintaining free access to Triple Zero.

    To ensure consumers are informed about device compatibility and experience, the Government will work with industry and the University of Technology Sydney to expand handset testing.

    The policy has been informed by engagement with the LEOSat working group, advice by the Australian Communications and Media Authority on radiocommunications spectrum, the findings of the Regional Telecommunications Review, and extensive feedback from regional and remote stakeholders and consumers about the need for multiple connectivity paths.

    The Government remains committed and will continue to evolve its existing co-investment programs like the Mobile Black Spot Program and Mobile Network Hardening Program to expand terrestrial mobile coverage, resilience and capacity.

    Further reforms to the longstanding universal services framework will be announced as the Government considers recommendations from the 2024 Regional Telecommunications Review.

    Quotes attributable to the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP: 

    “Labor governments have a proven record of expanding universal access to essential services, and the Albanese Government is forging another step forward.

    “The Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation will improve public safety, increase resilience during natural disasters, and provide an extra layer of coverage in areas previously thought too difficult or costly to reach.

    “The experience will be different to land mobile networks, but the benefits transformative, particularly for a large continent such as ours.

    “Building our mobile future with the latest technology is a vital element of Labor’s plan to make Australia the most connected continent by 2030.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Eureka Chiropractor Convicted of Defrauding Medicare, Insurance Companies Out of More Than $1.5 Million

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PEORIA, Ill. – A federal jury returned a guilty verdict late Friday evening against Carrie Musselman, 48, of Eureka, Illinois, for defrauding Medicare and other insurance companies out of more than $1.5 million dollars and for five counts of wire fraud in furtherance of her scheme to defraud. Sentencing for Musselman has been scheduled for June 24, 2025, at the U.S. Courthouse in Peoria, Illinois.

    Over 13 days of testimony, the government presented evidence establishing that Musselman, a chiropractor in Eureka, engaged in a scheme to defraud Medicare and other insurance companies. As part of the scheme, Musselman disguised the identity of the people providing services and misrepresented the nature of the services that had actually been provided.

    For instance, Musselman falsely claimed services were being provided by physicians when they were actually being provided by nurse practitioners and physician’s assistants. This resulted in an automatic pay increase for Musselman and her practice. In addition, one of Musselman’s highest reimbursement services, the placement of an electroacupuncture (which she was falsely billing as a surgically implanted neurostimulator), would not have qualified for any payment but for her deception. Musselman also billed for services that were not actually rendered. This included not only billing for neurostimulators that were never provided, but also for purportedly providing patients with allergy injections when, in reality, no such injections were given. Instead, patients were sent home with oral drops that had not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, were considered “experimental,” and had not been proven to be effective.

    Musselman remains released on bond. At sentencing, Musselman faces statutory penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment for the healthcare fraud charge and up to 20 years’ imprisonment for each of the wire fraud charges, to be followed by up to three years of supervised release on each of the counts. Each of the six convictions could also incur up to a $250,000 fine.

    The case investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office, and the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Douglas F. McMeyer, Bryan D. Freres, and Grace J. Hitzeman represented the government at trial. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Helena man admits unlawful possession of firearm in school zone

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HELENA — A Helena man accused of carrying a firearm on the campus of the Jim Darcy Elementary School in Helena admitted to a firearm charge today, Acting U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Racicot said.

    The defendant, Bryant Nicholas Espinoza, 37, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm in a school zone. Espinoza faces a maximum of five years in prison, consecutive to any other count of conviction, a $100,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for June 9. Espinoza was released pending further proceedings.

    The government alleged in court documents that on Feb. 7, 2024, the principal of Jim Darcy Elementary School contacted the Lewis and Clark Sheriff’s Office and advised the responding deputy that a staff member had notified her that the day prior, the parent of a student was on campus and was carrying a firearm. The staff member observed Espinoza standing in front of the school with a small dog. The staffer approached to assist Espinoza, and he informed the staffer he was there to pick up his daughter, who was a student. During the conversation, the staffer observed Espinoza was carrying a firearm. The staffer identified Espinoza in a photo, and   surveillance video showed Espinoza on school property with a small dog and what appeared to be a pistol in a holster on his hip. On April 9, 2024, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the sheriff’s office executed a federal search warrant at Espinoza’s residence and seized a 9mm pistol, two rifles and ammunition. In an interview, Espinoza identified himself in still photos taken from the surveillance video and said that the item on his hip looked like a firearm. Espinoza told agents where the pistol was located at his residence. Agents asked if there was a reason he had the gun at the school, and Espinoza responded that Montana was an “open carry state.”

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.

    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 violent crime and gun violence, 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.

    XXX

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Minister Rishworth interview on ABC Far North Breakfast with Charlie McKillop

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    E&OE TRANSCRIPT

    Topics: Creating a more ‘Accessible Australia’ for people with disability; National Disability Insurance Scheme.

    CHARLIE MCKILLOP, HOST: When the temperatures escalate to the point where they have recently, the joys of living in Far North Queensland, being able to head down to one of our many tropical beaches, dip our toes in the water and cool off, well, that is not the reality for many people living in our community with a disability. But the Government is trying to do something about that. It has a new initiative that’s all about trying to increase accessibility of many places that are meant for our enjoyment and relaxation. But for a large section of the community, they remain off limits. The Minister for Social Services and the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Amanda Rishworth, is with us in Cairns today. Minister, good morning.

    AMANDA RISHWORTH, MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SERVICES: Great to be with you.

    CHARLIE MCKILLOP: How important is the initiative that you’re announcing today for people in our community?

    AMANDA RISHWORTH: The initiative we’re announcing is so important. What we’re announcing is funding to go through state governments, to local councils or other organisations to make the natural environment more accessible. People with disability, whether that be in wheelchairs or have other disability, often can’t access, for example, national parks. They can’t get down to the beach. They may not be able to go to a festival or community event because there isn’t an accessible place to go to the toilet, for example. So, the funding that we’re providing is really looking at how we get more of these spaces more accessible. Just as an example, close to 90 per cent of Australians live within 50 kilometres of a beach. But according to the registered charity Accessible Beaches Australia, only 2 per cent of our 12,000 beaches are actually accessible. So, we really want to open up our natural spaces and ensure that people with disability actually get the opportunity. So, this initiative also will look at, for example, funding all terrain wheelchairs, so people that may need a wheelchair could explore our national parks as well as beach wheelchairs, which means they can actually get in the water.

    CHARLIE MCKILLOP: So, up until now, the burden of responsibility for improving this situation on 2 per cent of our public areas accessible to disability, that has fallen on local government, is that right? How much good will $17 million do to reverse that, to open up such a large area that remains off limits?

    AMANDA RISHWORTH: It’s often actually fallen to philanthropic organisations and local councils that have done this work. But we’re hoping with the Federal Government money, that we will be able to open really about 350 new accessible spaces to allow more accessibility. But of course, we want to partner also with state and territory governments to maximise the ability of this program. So, for some of these spaces, what we will be asking for is potentially matched funding from state and territory governments so that we can get more spaces accessible. But we’re hoping this will contribute to about 350 extra spaces in our natural environment open for people with disability.

    CHARLIE MCKILLOP: You are hearing from Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth in Cairns today to announce some really important funding that will increase accessibility to some of the most, well, some of the most sought-after experiences. We know that people come from around the world to be able to experience our beaches and our national parks across Far North Queensland. Amanda Rishworth, the bigger issue in your portfolio is of course, the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Leading up to a Federal election, when we have had a review of the scheme and so much controversy about whether or not the money, and there has been a lot of money invested in the scheme is getting through to the people who need it most. What are you hearing as you move around communities, regional communities like Far North Queensland?

    AMANDA RISHWORTH: It is a really, really important question and what I’m hearing is a couple of things. Firstly, we want to make sure we stamp out fraud and that’s why the previous Minister set up a taskforce to specifically make sure that service providers, and there’s a lot of good service providers, but others were taking advantage of participants. But we also need to see equal coverage across Australia. We know that rural and regional places, often there are thin markets, people can’t always access services and also participants don’t always have equality when it comes to their plans. So, making the plans more equitable, more fair, and making sure there’s transparency, along with making sure that there’s services in rural and regional areas, is a real focus of mine.

    CHARLIE MCKILLOP: That’s the aspiration. But Minister, is life with a disability getting any easier, any better?

    AMANDA RISHWORTH: The National Disability Insurance Scheme has changed the lives of people. You speak with people and they get perhaps the equipment or the personal care that they just didn’t get before the National Disability Insurance Scheme. So, yes, I would say that when I speak with people, the National Disability Insurance Scheme has absolutely transformed people’s lives. But we can always do better, we can always make it better. And that’s where we’re going through the process in the next 6 months to introduce a new planning framework to clearly identify the needs of people with disability and how do they get that extra support. And that’s particularly important in rural and regional areas where often there may not be as much choice. But certainly, the National Disability Insurance Scheme has changed people’s lives, but we want to make it the best it can be.

    CHARLIE MCKILLOP: Amanda Rishworth, thanks for your time on Breakfast today.

    AMANDA RISHWORTH: Thank you.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Retail petrol prices lower across all capital cities and almost all regional locations in the December quarter

    Source: Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

    The quarterly average for retail petrol prices decreased in the December quarter 2024, hitting a three-year low in real (inflation adjusted) terms, the ACCC’s latest petrol monitoring report has found.

    Click to enlarge

    Average retail petrol prices across the five largest cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth) were 179.8 cents per litre (cpl), a decrease of 3.0 cpl from the previous quarter.

    The decrease was largely due to lower international prices for refined petrol (Mogas 95). Mogas 95 prices are largely driven by international crude oil prices, which declined following slowing global oil demand together with increases in oil supply from Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) members and some non-OPEC countries.

    “A range of international factors which influence the prices of commodities like crude oil have led to prices at the bowser easing from the higher levels that were seen in early 2024,” ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said.

    Lower average petrol prices in other capital cities and in regional locations

    Average retail petrol prices in Canberra, Hobart and Darwin also fell in the December quarter 2024. Average prices in Darwin were 168.9 cpl, the lowest of the eight capital cities.

    Average retail petrol prices across regional locations (in aggregate), fell to 179.5 cpl in the December quarter 2024, slightly below the average prices across the five largest cities. The ACCC monitors fuel prices of more than 190 regional locations across Australia.

    “It is pleasing to see that motorists had some relief when filling up at petrol stations across the country,” Ms Brakey said.

    Average petrol gross indicative retail differences increased

    Gross indicative retail differences are a broad indicator of gross retail margins, including retail operating costs and profits. Average gross indicative retail differences across the five largest cities were 17.2 cpl in the December quarter 2024, an increase of 1.6 cpl from the previous quarter.

    Quarterly average gross indicative retail differences can vary between cities, and were lowest in Perth (9.6 cpl) and highest in Brisbane (24.1 cpl).

    In 2024, annual average gross indicative retail differences across the five largest cities were 16.3 cpl, which is slightly higher than pre-pandemic levels in real (inflation-adjusted) terms.

    The following chart shows the changes in the components of average retail petrol prices across the five largest cities.

    Components of quarterly average retail petrol prices across the five largest cities

    Source: ACCC calculations based on data from Informed Sources, Argus Media, Ampol, bp, Mobil, Viva Energy, FuelWatch, the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Australian Taxation Office.

    Notes: cents per litre change from the previous quarter.

    *  Excise and wholesale goods and services tax (65.4 cpl) excludes a component of retail goods and services tax (1.5 cpl) in the above chart. This is for consistency in reporting gross indicative retail difference figures throughout this report, which include a small component of goods and services tax. Total excise and goods and services tax for both wholesale and retail (66.9 cpl) is shown in the petrol bowser in the ‘December quarter 2024 – Petrol snapshot’.

    Average diesel prices were lower in all capital cities, reflecting international trends

    Quarterly average retail diesel prices across the five largest cities were 177.1 cpl in the December quarter 2024, down 8.4 cpl from the September quarter 2024. Average retail diesel prices were also lower in Canberra, Hobart and Darwin.

    Retail diesel prices generally followed lower international diesel benchmark prices, which accounted for the largest component of retail diesel prices.

    Quarterly average retail diesel prices in capital cities in the December quarter 2024

    Source: ACCC calculations based on data from Informed Sources.

    Note: cents per litre change from the previous quarter.

    In real (inflation adjusted) terms, quarterly average retail diesel prices across the five largest cities were the lowest in over three years, when average diesel prices were 172.4 cpl in the September quarter 2021.

    More consumers are using fuel price apps

    Around two in five consumers (or 41 per cent) reported using fuel price apps to shop around for cheaper fuel in 2024, according to research published by the Australasian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers Association. This was up from 34 per cent in 2022.

    “Taking advantage of the available information through apps and websites can be well worth it to find retailers with lower fuel prices in your area and to save money on fuel,” Ms Brakey said.

    The ACCC also publishes up-to-date price charts, buying tips, and information on movements in the petrol price cycles that occur in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, which can be helpful for consumers.

    The ACCC has championed greater fuel price transparency for consumers for some time.

    “We are aware that the Victorian Government recently announced a price transparency scheme to be phased in over 2025. Victoria is the only jurisdiction in Australia without a state or territory government fuel price transparency scheme,” Ms Brakey said.

    Note to editors

    ‘Petrol’ means regular unleaded petrol unless otherwise specified.

    Price changes are reported in nominal terms unless otherwise specified.

    Singapore Mogas 95 Unleaded (Mogas 95) is the relevant international benchmark for the wholesale price of petrol in Australia. Singapore Gasoil with 10 parts per million sulphur content (Gasoil 10 ppm) is the international benchmark for the wholesale price of diesel.

    Background

    The ACCC has been monitoring retail prices in all capital cities and over 190 regional locations across Australia since 2007.

    On 14 December 2022, the Treasurer issued a new direction to the ACCC to monitor the prices, costs and profits relating to the supply of petroleum products in the petroleum industry in Australia and produce a report every quarter for a further three years.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Shortlist Of Design Teams Announced For National Memorial For Queen Elizabeth II

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Shortlist Of Design Teams Announced For National Memorial For Queen Elizabeth II

    The Government is pleased to announce the shortlisted design teams for the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II.

    The Government is pleased to announce the shortlisted design teams for the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II.

    The shortlisted design teams include:

    • Foster + Partners with Yinka Shonibare and Michel Desvigne Paysagiste
    • Heatherwick Studio with Halima Cassell, MRG Studio, Webb Yates and Arup
    • J&L Gibbons with Michael Levine RDI, William Matthews Associates, Structure Workshop and Arup
    • Tom Stuart-Smith with Jamie Fobert Architects, Adam Lowe (Factum Arte) and Structure Workshop
    • WilkinsonEyre with Lisa Vandy and Fiona Clark, Andy Sturgeon Design, Atelier One and Hilson Moran

    The finalists were shortlisted following the first stage of a two-stage open competition. Designers were required to submit examples of previous projects relevant to the vision for the memorial set out by the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee, alongside details of the unique skills of their multi-disciplinary teams. The competition attracted a wide range of excellent creative talent from across the UK and internationally. The shortlisted teams will be required to submit their design concepts later in the Spring.

    The winning design team will be announced in Summer 2025 after the Selection Panel reviews the five shortlisted teams’ concepts. Design teams have been asked to create a memorial masterplan that celebrates Queen Elizabeth II’s extraordinary life of service and provides a space for pause and reflection. The designs will also be assessed against wider criteria, including value for money, placemaking and visitor experience.

    The team that is ultimately selected following the competition will add, in discussion with the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee, an artist or sculptor for the figurative representation of Her Late Majesty, and this appointment will be announced in Summer 2025.

    The site for the new national Queen Elizabeth II Memorial will include the area of St James’s Park adjacent to The Mall at Marlborough Gate, and land surrounding the pathway down to the lake, including the Blue Bridge. The site was chosen because of its proximity to the ceremonial route of The Mall, its historical and constitutional significance and personal connection to Queen Elizabeth.

    The final design will be formally announced in April 2026, to coincide with what would have been Queen Elizabeth’s hundredth birthday year. 

    The Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee was established by the UK Government and Royal Household in 2023 and comprises eight senior figures from across British public life, selected for their expertise, and chaired by The Late Queen’s former Private Secretary Lord Robin Janvrin. 

    The Committee is also continuing its work to develop proposals for a UK-wide legacy programme to commemorate Queen Elizabeth.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Professor Sir Ian Chapman appointed next CEO of UK Research and Innovation with renewed focus on economic growth

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Professor Sir Ian Chapman appointed next CEO of UK Research and Innovation with renewed focus on economic growth

    Sir Ian will lead the team at UKRI in backing thousands of researchers and innovators in developing solutions which improve people’s lives and help grow the economy

    Professor Sir Ian Chapman appointed as new UKRI CEO

    Professor Sir Ian Chapman will become the next CEO of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), leading a refreshed mission that puts economic growth at the heart of public investment in R&D, helping to fulfil the potential of science and technology in improving lives, Science Minister Lord Vallance has announced today (Tuesday 25 February).

    UKRI is the country’s largest public research funder, with a budget of £9 billion per year, giving it a central role in ensuring public funding is invested in ambitious, pioneering research that will benefit the whole of the UK and provide a clear return on investment for hardworking taxpayers.

    Its work in recent years includes backing the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine, which has saved countless lives and the construction of the world’s most advanced wind turbine test facility, helping the UK to become a clean energy superpower. It has also been a major contributor to the £1 billion of UK public investment in AI R&D so far so the UK captures the technology’s opportunities to enhance growth and productivity as the third largest AI market in the world.

    Sir Ian will lead its team in supporting thousands of bright researchers and innovators in developing solutions from life-saving medicines to protecting our environment – ultimately making a visible, positive difference to people’s lives and supporting the missions at the heart of the Government’s Plan for Change.

    His experience will be a major asset in drawing on the UK’s world-leading research talent, facilities, universities and businesses, as drivers of R&D which will kickstart economic growth, make Britain a clean energy superpower and build an NHS fit for the future.

    During his time as CEO of the UK Atomic Energy Authority, Sir Ian has led the transition from an organisation rooted in deep R&D excellence, to one that is now also delivering a major infrastructure project to design and build a prototype powerplant; driving inward investment and economic growth; and enabling development of a skilled workforce and supply chain.

    Science Minister, Lord Vallance, said:

    “Growing the economy is this government’s number one mission and taking full advantage of the innovative ideas, talent and facilities across our country is key to reaching that goal and improving lives across the UK.

    “Sir Ian’s leadership experience, scientific expertise and academic achievements make him an exceptionally strong candidate to lead UKRI in pursuing ambitious, curiosity-driven research, as well as innovations that will unlock new benefits for the UK’s people and drive our Plan for Change.

    “We also thank Dame Ottoline Leyser ahead of her stepping down this summer, recognising her pivotal work in guiding UKRI through challenging times, notably during the Covid pandemic and through the UK’s return to participation in Horizon Europe.”

    Incoming UKRI CEO, Professor Sir Ian Chapman, said:

    “I am excited to be joining an excellent team at UKRI focussed on improving the lives and livelihoods of UK citizens.

    “Research and innovation must be central to the prosperity of our society and our economy, so UKRI can shape the future of the country.

    “I was tremendously fortunate to represent UKAEA, an organisation at the forefront of global research and innovation of fusion energy, and I look forward to building on those experiences to enable the wider UK research and innovation sector.”

    Through our world-class universities and institutes, UKRI develops and nurtures future talent who can maintain the UK’s position as a global hub of research, development and deployment in the long term while collaborating with partners around the world so that scientific and technological advances driven in the UK can benefit lives at home and around the world.

    UKRI plays a key part in driving up UK participation in the world’s largest research programme, Horizon Europe, helping to build a more efficient and joined-up approach to research funding and unleashing the power of UK research and innovation.

    UKRI will also play an increasing role in steering our long-term industrial strategy, removing barriers to growth and building on the UK’s strategic advantage in its fundamental science capability.

    UKRI Chairman, Sir Andrew Mackenzie, said:

    “The board and I are delighted that Ian will become UKRI’s next CEO in the summer. 

    “Research and Innovation are fundamental to UK growth. Ian has the skills, experience, leadership and commitment to unlock this opportunity to improve the lives and livelihoods of everyone. We look forward to working with him on the next phase of UKRI’s development and our stewardship of the UK’s innovation culture and systems.  

    “We thank Ottoline for an outstanding five years as UKRI’s CEO. She has delivered a step-change in operational effectiveness and cross-discipline work through collective and inclusive leadership and secured more social and commercial impacts from our investments.” 

    Climate Minister Kerry McCarthy said: 

    “I’d like to thank Sir Ian for his many years of dedicated service at UK Atomic Energy Agency, the last nine as CEO. In that time, he has transformed the organisation into a world leading hub for fusion energy commercialisation and driven the UK and global strategy for fusion development forward.

    “I am delighted that the UK will continue to benefit from his drive and expertise in his new role. We will shortly begin recruiting a new UKAEA CEO to lead the UK’s world-class fusion programme into the next decade.”

    Notes to editors

    • Established in 2018, UKRI is a non-departmental public body that combines the strengths of nine distinct research and innovation funders:

    • Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)
    • Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
    • Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
    • Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
    • Innovate UK (IUK)
    • Medical Research Council (MRC)
    • Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
    • Research England (RE)

    • Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

    • Sir Ian – who currently sits on UKRI’s Board – will take up the post in the summer, bringing strong leadership experience from his role as CEO of the UK Atomic Energy Authority since 2016 and links to academia. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society, the Royal Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Physics, and a visiting Professor at Durham University.
    • With a background in fusion and firm grasp of the part that ambitious and targeted R&D can play in improving lives, he has published over 100 journal papers and received several awards for his research.
    • His appointment follows an open recruitment process launched in August 2024, after Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser announced her intention to stand down as UKRI’s CEO from June 2025.
    • Having held the post since 2020, Dame Ottoline leaves a strong foundation to build on, from navigating the continued delivery of research through the pandemic to supporting the UK’s return to participation in Horizon Europe – putting UKRI in a strong position to bolster its role as an engine for delivering pioneering research to improve lives and grow our economy.
    • The UKAEA Board has provisionally agreed that Tim Bestwick (UKAEA deputy CEO) will take over as interim CEO of UKAEA after Sir Ian leaves, whilst a permanent replacement is appointed.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK businesses lead the way with record numbers of female leaders

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK businesses lead the way with record numbers of female leaders

    FTSE Women Leaders Review and UK Government publish latest report on women in leadership roles at FTSE350 companies.

    • UK leads the world in drive to increase the number of women on boards and in leadership at the top of firms. 

    • More than 60% of FTSE350 companies within striking distance of the 40% target for women’s representation in boardrooms 

    • Supporting women into leadership roles could unlock billions in economic growth and deliver on Plan for Change 

    Top British companies are continuing to lead the way for gender equality in boardrooms with women occupying nearly 43% of roles on company boards according to a new report published today (Tuesday 25 February).  

    The FTSE Women Leaders Review report for 2025, backed by the government and sponsored by sector giants Lloyds Banking Group and KPMG LLP, shows that women now occupy 1,275 or 43% of roles on company boards and 6,743 (35%) of leadership roles at the 350 FTSE companies.  

    This marks a year-on-year increase and means the target of 40% women’s representation by the end of this year continues to be achieved by FTSE350 businesses. The results of this review show the progress being made to break down barriers to opportunity at the highest levels, within some of the most innovative and important companies in the UK.  

    Delivering equal opportunities for women is at the heart of the government’s growth mission as part of the Plan for Change, by ensuring they have fair access to a stable, well-paid jobs which will also help drive up living standards. 

    At a London event this evening, business leaders, ministers and the leaders of the Review will come together to reflect upon and celebrate this progress as well as the contribution it is making to creating a stronger, more dynamic economy.  

    But the government recognises there is still more to do to bring more women into roles such as company Chairs and CEOs and to increase the number of women on boards and in leadership who hold executive roles. The government will work with FTSE companies and other organisations to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve their full potential based on their talent.   

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: 

    The UK is leading the charge for gender equality in boardrooms, but we cannot rest on our laurels.  

    We must break down the barriers that stop many women being represented in decision-making roles, so that top talent reaches the highest levels of leadership in businesses driving economic growth across Britain.

    Minister for Investment Baroness Gustafsson OBE said: 

    I know from founding my own business how strong female voices inspire positive change throughout an organisation, bringing new ideas and adding greater value. 

    Today’s report shows that whilst the momentum is with us, we have so much further to go. Working with business leaders and investors, we will do everything we can to unlock more opportunities for women at the highest levels as we go for growth and deliver our Plan for Change.  

    The UK’s approach to gender equality in boardrooms is setting an international precedent for inclusive business, coming second only to France in the G7, with 43.4% representation compared to 45.4%.  

    Whilst France and many other countries employ the use of quotas, the action taken by British companies has been entirely voluntary demonstrating the ability of the private sector to lead the way, alongside government support, but without overburdening regulation. 

    By leading the way and committing to improving gender equality companies are demonstrating the market value of increased representation of women in senior roles and the diversity of thinking that this brings, trickling down into small and medium sized businesses who look to replicate this success. 

    The government’s flagship Employment Rights Bill and Plan to Make Work Pay will further strengthen women’s rights in the workplace and increase protections for women going through the menopause, as well as protections from dismissal whilst pregnant or on maternity leave. 

    Vivienne Artz, CEO of the FTSE Women Leaders Review, said: 

    In an increasingly disruptive world in which companies are faced with a combination of economic, geo-political and technological change British businesses are setting an international standard for balanced and inclusive leadership.  

    With its unique Government-backed and business-led voluntary approach, the UK has spearheaded a world-leading transformation in the highest ranks of industry. Whilst FTSE 350 company boards are now gender-balanced, sustained effort and determination is required to achieve the 40% target for women in leadership by the end of this year.  

    We look forward to working with businesses to deliver on this ambition.

    Penny James and Nimesh Patel, Co-Chairs of the FTSE Women Leaders Review, said: 

    The UK is nothing short of world-leading in driving gender balance at the top of business with business leaders delivering change through voluntary action rather than quotas. Despite many competing priorities companies continue to see equality of opportunity as key to improving productivity and achieving growth.  

    Balance on FTSE 350 boards has been achieved and women’s representation on executive teams is steadily increasing but a step-up in commitment is required to deliver parity in the key leadership roles.  

    Over the coming year we urge UK business to remain focused on sustaining momentum, harnessing all of the available talent and driving towards a business environment that offers opportunity for all. 

    NOTES TO EDITORS:  

    • The FTSE Women Leaders Review (the Review) is sponsored by Lloyds Banking Group and KPMG LLP.  

    Sir Robin Budenberg, Chair of Lloyds Banking Group, said: 

    As proud co-sponsor of the FTSE Women Leaders Review, we applaud the significant progress made over the years in increasing gender balance on both the boards and leadership teams of the UK’s biggest companies.  

    A strong, diverse workforce is fundamental to business success. When leadership reflects the society it serves, companies are better equipped to understand their customers, drive innovation and deliver long-term sustainable growth. And if business does not employ the full breadth of society, it will not benefit from all the talent available.  

    At Lloyds Banking Group we have a gender-balanced board and over 45% representation of women at leadership level but we recognise that progress is neither linear nor inevitable. The responsibility lies with all of us to lead inclusively and to keep gender equality at the top of the agenda. By doing so, we strengthen our businesses and help build a more dynamic, successful economy. 

    Bina Mehta, Chair of KPMG LLP, said: 

    With the final year of the FTSE Women Leaders Review ahead, I’m delighted we have continued to make substantial progress in achieving greater gender balance in senior roles, something that reflects many years of voluntary effort and collective action.  

    It’s particularly encouraging to see the progress made by the UK’s Top 50 Private companies in their first three years of reporting. These companies are keeping pace with the FTSE100 and are currently reporting 35% of Executive Committee roles are held by women.  

    As Chair of KPMG UK, I am proud that our firm continues to grow the number of women in leadership roles, maintaining our position in the ‘Top Ten Best Performers’. As a firm we recognise the importance of creating an environment where everyone can succeed and thrive.  

    With the country’s renewed focused on economic growth, if businesses continue to work together, we can help to deliver long term prosperous and sustainable growth.

    The Review 

    The FTSE Women Leaders Review is the independent, business-led framework supported by the Government, which sets recommendations for Britain’s biggest companies to improve the representation of women on their boards and leadership teams. The scope of the Review covers the FTSE 350 and 50 of the UK’s biggest private companies.  

    Adopting a voluntary approach, the Review captures and publishes progress on 26,000 roles on boards and in leadership two layers below the board, across all sectors of British business on an annual basis.  

    Women on Boards: 2024  

    1. Reported numbers for Women on Boards of FTSE 350, as of 10th January 2025, show: 

    Source – BoardEx: 

    • FTSE 100 is at 44.7%, up from 42.6% in 2023  

    • FTSE 250 is at 42.6%, up from 41.8% in 2023 

    • FTSE 350 is at 43.4.%, up from 42.1% in 2023  

    • 50 largest UK private companies are at 30.5% (30.6% in 2023) 

    1. Almost three quarters of FTSE 350 Boards (73.4%) have met or exceeded the current 40% target with that number now standing at 257 up from 235 in 2023. 

    2. The UK FTSE 350 is in 2nd place when compared internationally to the G7 countries but this is being achieved at a greater scale and through entirely voluntary action as opposed to mandatory quota systems. In the UK 350 companies are in scope compared with 40 in France which has quota legislation in place.  

    3. FTSE 100 companies top the rankings for women on boards compared with international indices including the Euronext 100, IBEX and S&P ASK FTSE 100: 44.7% v Euronext 100: 42.2%, IBEX: 40.9% S&P ASX: 40.2% 

    Women in Leadership: 2024  

    1. Reported numbers for Women in Leadership (defined as the Executive Committee & Direct Reports to the Executive Committee on a combined basis) show:  

    Source – FTSE Women Leaders, Leadership Data Collection Portal as at 31 October 2024: 

    • FTSE 100 is at 36.6% up from 35.2% in 2023 

    • FTSE 250 is at 34.2% up from 33.9% in 2023 

    • FTSE 350 is at 35.3% up from in 34.5% in 2023 

    • 50 largest UK private companies are at 36.8% up from 35.6% in 2023 

    Four Key Roles: 2024  

    1.   Women continue to be appointed to the Chair role with a gain of seven FTSE 350 women Chairs in 2024. As a result, the number of women in the Chair role in the FTSE 350 has increased from to 53 in 2023 to 60 in 2024 (17%).  

    2.   The number of women SIDs has increased to 192 across the FTSE 350 in 2024, up from 162 in 2023. Now over half of FTSE 350 companies (56%) have a woman SID. 

    3.   The percentage of women Finance Directors in the FTSE 350 has increased from 48 in 2023 to 57 in 2024 (22%). 

    4.   FTSE 350 women CEOs have reduced from 20 in 2023 to 19 in 2024. 

    The Recommendations for the Review  

    There are four Recommendations that were announced in February 2022 to fuel further progress in delivering gender balance at the top of British business: 

    • The voluntary target for FTSE 350 Boards and Leadership teams was increased to a minimum of 40% women’s representation by the end of 2025. 

    • Companies should have at least one woman in the Chair, Senior Independent Director role on the board and/or one woman in the Chief Executive Officer or Finance Director role by the end of 2025. 

    • Key stakeholders should continue to set best-practice guidelines or use alternative mechanisms to encourage any FTSE 350 Board that has not yet achieved the previous 33% target for the end of 2020, to do so.  

    • The scope of the Review is extended beyond FTSE 350 companies to include 50 of the UK’s largest private companies.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £120 million to roll-out more electric vans, taxis and motorbikes

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    £120 million to roll-out more electric vans, taxis and motorbikes

    We are making it easier, faster and cheaper for people across the UK to switch to electric vehicles.

    • government extends support to help drivers, businesses, fleets and cabbies make the switch to cleaner vehicles
    • red tape blocking businesses from switching to zero emission vans to be cut
    • part of £2.3 billion to help make a supported transition to zero emissions vehicles, creating jobs and delivering the Plan for Change

    Drivers, cabbies and businesses are set to benefit from £120 million in government funding to make the switch to cleaner vans, wheelchair accessible vehicles and taxis easier, faster and cheaper.

    Today (25 February 2025) Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood confirmed that the department is extending the Plug-in van grant for another year, to help van drivers and businesses transition to zero emission vehicles.

    The extension will mean businesses and van drivers can receive grants up to £2,500 when buying small vans up to 2.5 tonnes and up to £5,000 for larger vans up to 4.25 tonnes.

    The Plug-in van grant has helped sell over 80,000 electric and zero emission vans since its launch, as the government continues to back businesses all over the country.

    The department is also making it easier to switch to zero emission vans – which can be heavier than their petrol and diesel counterparts despite being of the same size – by removing the requirement for additional training that is currently in place only for zero emission vans but not their petrol and diesel equivalents.

    This will help businesses by taking away training costs, cutting red tape and making it easier to hire drivers when operating electric vans.

    Today’s funding is part of over £2.3 billion to help industry and consumers make a supported switch to electric vehicles (EVs). This is creating high paid jobs, supporting businesses up and down the country and tapping into a multi-billion pound industry to make the UK a clean energy superpower and deliver the government’s Plan for Change.

    Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said:

    From van drivers and businesses, to drivers with accessibility needs, bikers and cabbies, today we are making it easier, faster and cheaper for people to switch to electric vehicles.

    By making the transition to zero emissions a success, we’re helping to drive growth all over the UK, putting more money in people’s pockets and rebuilding Britain to deliver our Plan for Change.

    The department is also supporting taxi drivers make the switch to electric for another year, by making £4,000 available to buy an iconic zero emission black cab amongst other models, making journeys cleaner and more comfortable for passengers.

    The Plug-in wheelchair accessible vehicle grant cap is also being increased from £35,000 to £50,000, giving consumers a wider choice of vehicle models and removing barriers for disabled passengers, so that they can get around more easily and with greater peace of mind.

    Today is a positive day for bikers as well, who will continue to enjoy a £500 grant from government to buy an electric motorbike for another year.

    Alongside this financial support, the government strengthened incentives to purchase zero emission vehicles in the Autumn Budget 2024 by maintaining generous ZEV incentives in the Company Car Tax regime.

    The transition to electric continues at pace. With over 382,000 electric cars sold in 2024 – up a fifth on the previous year – there’s never been a better time to switch to EVs, with one in 3 used electric cars under £20,000 and 21 brand new electric cars RRP under £30,000.

    Owning an electric car is also becoming increasingly cheaper, with drivers able to save up to £750 a year if they mostly charge at home compared to petrol.

    There are now over 74,000 public chargers in the UK, with a record of nearly 20,000 added last year alone. With 24/7 helplines, contactless payments, and up-to-date chargepoint locations, charging has become easier than ever.

    With £200 million announced in the budget to continue powering the chargepoint rollout and £6 billion of private investment in the pipeline, the UK’s charging network will continue to see tens of thousands of chargers added in the coming years so that EV owners can drive with the confidence that they’re never too far from a socket.

    Last year saw record numbers of people making a supported switch to electric vehicles, with the UK leading Europe in sales, and growth of more than a fifth on the previous year. The government has been engaging closely with car manufacturers on how to support them to deliver the transition to electric vehicles with a consultation recently closing, which sought views from industry on how to deliver the manifesto commitment to restore the 2030 phase out date for new purely petrol and diesel cars.

    The average range of a new electric car is now 236 miles – that’s about 2 weeks of driving for most people – all the while emitting just one-third of the greenhouse emissions of a petrol car during its lifetime.

    Roads media enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777 878

    Switchboard 0300 330 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government announces raft of new policies and major investment to boost profits for farmers

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Government announces raft of new policies and major investment to boost profits for farmers

    Environment Secretary to announce reform package to boost farmers’ profitability as part of the Plan for Change

    New reforms to make farming more profitable will be announced today by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed.

    Speaking to farmers at the NFU conference in Westminster, Steve Reed will reveal new plans to deliver a profitable farming sector, while reaffirming Government’s cast iron commitment to food production, and unlocking rural growth.

    The speech will announce a raft of new policies to put money into the pockets of British farmers including:

    • Extending the Seasonal Worker visa route for five more years giving farms a pipeline of workers and certainty to grow their businesses. Annual quota reviews will ensure we strike the right balance – supporting farms while gradually reducing visa numbers as we develop alternative solutions.
    • Back British produce: British farmers handed a major boost under new requirements for government catering contracts to favour high-quality, high-welfare products that local farms and producers are well placed to serve. The move marks a major leap in achieving the government’s ambition for at least 50% of food supplied into the £5 billion public sector catering contracts to be from British producers or those certified to higher environmental standards.
    • £110 million investment in technology: The Farming Innovation Programme which supports research and development of agri-technology for farmers, for example the chemical free cleaning for integrated milking equipment, which lowers energy costs and chemical use. The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund provides grants of up to £25,000 to buy new equipment such as electric weeders to reduce chemical use.
    • Protecting farmers in trade deals: The government will uphold and protect our high environmental and animal welfare standards in future trade deals.
    • Strengthening Britain’s biosecurity: Setting up a new National Biosecurity Centre to transform the Animal and Plant Health Agency animal health facility at Weybridge, investing £200 million to improve our resilience against animal disease to protect farmers and food producers.

    Speaking about profitability, Steve Reed, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is expected to say:

    The underlying problem is that farmers do not make enough money for the hard work and commitment they put in. 

    I will consider my time as Secretary of State a failure if I do not improve profitability for farmers across the country.

    My focus is on ensuring farming becomes more profitable because that’s how we make your businesses viable for the future. And that’s how we ensure the long-term food security this country needs.

    This builds on the commitments made at the Oxford Farming Conference, where the Environment Secretary set out the government’s vision for farming including:

    • Using planning reforms to support food production: Ensuring our reforms make it quicker for farmers to build the buildings, barns and other infrastructure they need on their farms to boost food production.
    • Diversifying income streams: Helping farmers make additional money from selling surplus energy from solar panels and wind turbines by accelerating connections to the grid, supporting them during difficult harvests and supply shocks. 
    • A fair supply chain: Boosting profitability through fair competition across the supply chain. New rules for the pig sector will come this spring, ensuring contracts clearly set out expectations and changes can only be made if agreed by all parties. Similar regulations for eggs and fresh produce sectors will follow with the government ready to intervene with other sectors if needed.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Emergency homelessness fund boosted to £60 million

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Emergency homelessness fund boosted to £60 million

    An extra £30 million has been confirmed for the Winter Pressures Funding this year.

    • Urgent homelessness funding, previously tripled, has now been increased sixfold for this year to reach more people
    • Extra cash boost will see thousands of struggling people avoid homelessness, with councils stepping in early to help prevent evictions and secure accommodation
    • Builds on the government’s Plan for Change to deliver the biggest increase in tenant protections and affordable housing in decades, ensuring safe and secure housing for all

    Thousands on the brink of homelessness will receive lifechanging support to remain in their homes, thanks to new emergency funding of £30 million for homelessness services announced today. 

    Today’s funding is targeted at 295 areas that are facing the highest risks of homelessness through housing costs and rent arrears. The cash will be specifically given to councils to step in early and keep people in their homes before eviction notices are served, or support people off the streets into accommodation – a lifeline for thousands to regain financial stability, stay in their communities and maintain access to local GPs and support networks. 

    For councils, this emergency funding means fewer people reaching crisis point and ending up on the streets which will free up resources and ease demand on social services, healthcare, and emergency housing teams. 

    Last year alone, 146,360 households turned to their council for help, with many on the brink of eviction through no fault of their own, whether from a sudden job loss, a health emergency, an unexpected bill, or a relationship breakdown.  

    It brings the total Winter Pressures Funding for homelessness and rough sleeping to £60 million this year, with this extra £30 million to bolster resources at councils to act fast when negotiating with landlords, covering emergency rent shortfalls, and making sure people can get on with living their lives in safe and secure housing. This builds on the largest-ever investment in homelessness prevention services of almost £1 billion.

    Minister for Homelessness, Rushanara Ali said:

    “No one should be forced live in constant fear of losing their home and too many people are being pushed to the brink of homelessness as a direct consequence of the system we’ve inherited. 

    “That’s why I’m providing an extra £30 million in emergency support for councils– taking real, immediate action to stop people falling through the cracks, stay in their homes, and help them rebuild their lives. 

    “Our Plan for Change is tackling the worst housing crisis in a generation by delivering the biggest boost in social and affordable housing in a generation, fixing the broken rental market and getting us back on track to end homelessness once and for all.”

    The Deputy Prime Minister has personally directed the Ministry of Housing to prioritise remaining departmental funds towards homelessness support. This comes as her dedicated Inter-Ministerial Group is developing a long-term strategy – with ministers across government – to tackle the root causes of rough sleeping and get the country back on track to ending homelessness for good.

    This comes as the government’s landmark Renters’ Rights Bill remains on track to become law this year that will abolish one of the leading causes of homelessness, Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions. This is alongside stopping rental bidding wars for tenancies and empowering tenants to challenge unreasonable rent increases, providing much-needed stability for millions of working people and families.

    Today’s emergency cash injection is just one branch of the government’s Plan for Change to raise living standards for working people and families, strengthen rights and protections for tenants, and drive forward the biggest overhaul of the private rented sector in over 30 years.

    The government recently announced a further £20 million to ensure rough sleepers have a safe, warm place to stay with hot meals and specialist care. This is on top of the £10 million announced before Christmas, providing additional resources for emergency accommodation and targeted interventions aimed at getting people off the streets and into stable housing.

    As part of long-overdue reforms to the Right to Buy scheme, councils can now keep all receipts from sales to invest in building and buying more homes. On top of this, councils received an additional £450 million last year to secure and create housing for families at risk of homelessness. 

    Government investment in housing has now increased to £5 billion for this year, including a top-up of £800 million for the existing Affordable Homes Programme, which is supporting efforts to build tens of thousands of affordable and social homes across the country.

    Further information

    Last year, the government launched an emergency £10 million package for rough sleepers, with a further £20 million in January.

    A full breakdown of funding allocations for each council is available here.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Ongoing Liquidity Crisis Hindering United Nations Ability to Retain Geographically Diverse, Skilled Workforce, Delegates Stress as Fifth Committee Resumes Session

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Stressing that the Organization’s key asset is its staff, many delegates of the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) today emphasized the pressure that the ongoing liquidity crisis is having on efforts to rejuvenate the Organization and attract and retain talent from all parts of the world.

    “The human resources policies and the liquidity situation of the United Nations are inextricably linked,” said Singapore’s representative, speaking for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during the opening day of the Committee first resumed session.  “We note with concern from the Secretary-General’s report that temporary hiring restrictions imposed as a result of the dismal liquidity situation of the UN have constrained efforts to fill geographical posts that could have gone to un- and under-represented countries.”

    She emphasized that staff training and development are key to building a United Nations that can respond to contemporary challenges.  “While we are cognizant of the UN’s ongoing liquidity challenges, we hope that their training is not compromised to achieve short-term savings,” she said, adding that training locations should not be limited to UN Headquarters.

    Echoing this sentiment, the representative of the European Union, in its capacity as observer, said the Organization’s financial situation must be carefully considered when discussing the Organization’s most essential resources: its staff.  “We strongly believe in the fundamental importance of a comprehensive and strategic workforce planning system,” she said, adding that planning and selection should be closely aligned with a recruitment process that ensures the Organization attracts and hires the most suitable candidates with the right skill sets.  In addition, the 120-day target for staff selection should be met.  “We repeat our call to rejuvenate the Organization and acquire and retain young talent,” she said, adding that talent outreach and well-structured internship programmes are key priorities that “we take very seriously”.

    Speaking on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, Iraq’s delegate said geographical representation and gender parity remain a core concern for the Group, which expects the Secretariat to intensify its efforts to achieve equal representation at all staff levels, with a focus on senior level staff at D-1 and above posts, as well as significant contributions from troop-contributing countries and police-contributing countries.  He noted that the Secretary-General’s staff composition report showed that staff declined by 34 to 36,757 during the reporting period ending on December 2023, due in part to temporary hiring restrictions placed against the regular budget in July 2023. 

    Keen to review the Secretariat’s efforts to improve the Organizaton’s rejuvenation, including through the Young Professionals Programme, the Group notes that during the 2022-2023 biennium, 175,781 applications applied for 2,765 jobs in the internship programme.  “With an average of 63 applicants competing for one vacancy, the Group looks forward to having more information on how the refined internship programme, including the financial support from the UN, will help more applicants from all developing countries be successfully selected as interns,” he added.

    Kuwait’s delegate, speaking on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council, agreed that the Organizaton’s staff are its greatest asset and noted that data from Secretariat reports indicate that personnel from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries remain underrepresented.  “Recruiting must be completed to ensure a balance,” he said. Recognizing the unprecedented loss of staff working with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), he called for the protection of staff and all relief workers.

    The President of the UN Field Staff Union said the Organizaton’s severe liquidity and funding shortfall has created a crisis that threatens the foundation of the staff’s work.  “UN staff — who are the backbone of this institution — are being forced to bear the brunt of these financial constraints.  Workloads are increasing beyond sustainable levels,” he said, urging Member States to meet their financial commitments fully and on time.  “The cost of inaction is measured in human lives.  If we allow this crisis to continue, we are not just failing UN staff; we are failing the world.

    “Fewer staff means fewer peacekeepers in conflict zones, fewer aid workers delivering food and medicine, fewer experts tackling global challenges.  Every member of staff lost weakens our ability to respond to the world’s most pressing crises.  Let me be clear — this is not just about jobs.  It is about the UN’s ability to fulfill its mission,” he said.

    The representative of Switzerland, speaking also for Liechtenstein, welcomed Secretariat efforts to improve mechanisms for recruiting young professionals, including modernizing job descriptions, removing artificial barriers to entry and enhancing digital and language skills.  She also backed the Secretary-General’s proposal to structure and professionalize the UN internship programme.  “We note with interest the recommendations to introduce financial support for interns to strengthen geographical diversity and to offer more structured learning,” she added.

    The representative of the United States said Washington, D.C., will consider proposals using three criteria:  whether the proposal promotes a transparent and accountable system; reflects actual or proposed cost-savings and efficiencies; and how it aligns with his Government’s national interests and priorities, including “making the US safer, stronger and more prosperous”.  To this end, the delegation will defend against efforts to undermine the system of desirable ranges by advancing a vague, discriminatory and deeply flawed concept of equitable geographic representation. 

    Human Resources Management

    Martha Helena Lopez, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Resources, presented the Secretary-General’s five reports on human resources management reform:  Overview of human resources management reform for the period 2023–2024 (document A/79/566); Review of the United Nations Secretariat Internship Programme (document A/79/566/Add.1); Composition of the Secretariat: staff demographics (document A/79/584); Composition of the Secretariat: gratis personnel, retired staff, consultants, individual contractors and United Nations Volunteers (document A/79/581); and Practice of the Secretary-General in disciplinary matters and cases of possible criminal behaviour, from 1 January to 31 December 2023 (document A/79/615).

    Regarding the redesigned internship programme, she said “it aligns with UN values of fairness and accessibility, upholds commitments to youth in the Pact for the Future, and ensures meaningful engagement of young people.”  The proposal addresses the need for more structured learning and financial support for interns, including the cost of travel, health insurance, a monthly stipend and a technology allowance for remote interns.  “This would remove a significant barrier to broader participation for individuals from all economic backgrounds,” she added.  The Secretariat invites the Assembly to approve the removal of current restrictions and the principle of a centrally funded support scheme.

    The Secretary-General report covering staff demographics offers a comprehensive view of Secretariat staff from 1 January to 31 December 2023 and during the 2019 to 2023 period, she noted.  It gives a comprehensive analysis of the gratis personnel, retired staff, consultants, individual contractors, and United Nations Volunteers engaged across the Secretariat from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2023 and highlights trends observed from 2014 to 2023, offering insights into the evolution of the Secretariat’s affiliated personnel.  The final report provides comprehensive measures for the Secretary-General’s approach to misconduct cases and analysis of the data and trends in the Secretariat’s disciplinary practices.

    Juliana Gaspar Ruas, Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), presented that body’s related reports (documents A/79/745, A/79/746, A/79/747, A/79/748 and A/79/749).

    After those presentations, Fifth Committee Vice-Chair Johanna Bischof (Austria) drew delegates’ attention to the relevant reports of the Joint Inspection Unit and related notes by the Secretary-General transmitting his comments and comments of the United Nations Chief Executives Board for Coordination on the respective reports: Review of the use of non-staff personnel and related contractual modalities in the United Nations system organizations – Note by the Secretary-General (documents A/79/694 and A/79/694/Add.1); Review of the quality, effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability of health insurance schemes in the United Nations system organizations (documents A/79/695 and A/79/695/Add.1); and Flexible working arrangements in United Nations system organizations (documents A/79/693 and A/79/693/Add.1).

    Joint Inspection Unit

    Carolina Fernández Opazo, Inspector and Chairperson of the Joint Inspection Unit, introduced the Report of the Joint Inspection Unit for 2024 and programme of work for 2025 (document A/79/34), and Federica Pietracci, Senior Programme Management Officer of the United Nations System Chief Executives Board for Coordination, introduced the Note by the Secretary-General on the Report of the Joint Inspection Unit for 2024 (document A/79/742).

    Standards of Accommodation for Air Travel

    Ms. Lopez also introduced the Secretary-General’s report on standards of accommodation for air travel (document A/79/628), and Ms. Gaspar Ruas presented the Advisory Committee’s related report (document A/79/7/Add.44).

    Proposed Programme of Work 

    The Committee also approved its proposed programme of work for this session (document A/C.5/79/L.29).

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Sudan: MSF forced to halt its activities as violence engulfed Zamzam camp in North Darfur

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF)

    Port Sudan, 25 February 2025 – The current escalation of attacks and fighting in and around Zamzam camp for displaced people near El Fasher in North Darfur, is making it impossible for Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) to continue providing medical assistance in such dangerous conditions. Despite widespread starvation and immense humanitarian needs, we have no choice but to take the decision to suspend all our activities in the camp, including the MSF field hospital.

    The area has seen heavy fighting between the Rapid Support Forces and the Joint Forces, a coalition of armed groups allied with Sudanese armed forces, with dreadful consequences on civilians. Besieging and shelling the town of El Fasher for the last 10 months, the Rapid Support Forces have stepped up their offensive in recent weeks and launched attacks against Zamzam camp, in particular on February 11 and 12.

    People who were already struggling to survive now find their access to water and food even more compromised, as the central market has been looted and burnt down.

    “Halting our project in the midst of a worsening disaster in Zamzam is a heartbreaking decision,” says Yahya Kalilah, MSF head of mission in Sudan. “For more than two years, our teams have done their utmost to provide care against all the odds:  despite the siege, supply shortages, and multiple other challenges. We have been calling for and waiting for a scaled up humanitarian response which has never materialised. As the battle for El Fasher rages on and now reaches Zamzam camp, even the most minimal security conditions are not met for us to stay. The sheer proximity of the violence, great difficulties in sending supplies, the impossibility to send experienced staff for adequate support, and uncertainty regarding routes out of the camp for our colleagues and civilians, leave us with little choice but to suspend our activities”

    In the first three weeks of February, our teams in Zamzam received 139 wounded patients in the MSF field hospital, mostly suffering with gunshots and shrapnel injuries. The MSF facility was designed to help tackle the massive malnutrition crisis unfolding in the camp, which was declared as undergoing famine conditions by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification last year, and cannot provide trauma surgery for people in critical conditions.

    “11 patients died while in the MSF hospital, 5 of them children, because we could neither treat them properly nor refer them to Saudi hospital, the only facility with surgical capacity in nearby El Fasher. In January and December, two of our ambulances carrying patients from the camp to El Fasher were shot at. Now it’s even more dangerous and as a result, many people, including patients requiring trauma surgery or emergency caesarian section, are trapped in Zamzam” says Yahya Kalilah, MSF head of mission in Sudan.

    Hosting about 500,000 people, Zamzam camp saw new arrivals fleeing from Abu Zerega, Shagra and Saluma who are now staying in schools, community buildings, or under the trees in the open. They have told our teams of dwellings set on fire, looting, sexual violence, killings, beatings and other abuses in villages and roads in the El Fasher locality. Some hundred families also reached Tawila, sometimes barefoot, after leaving everything behind and escaping horrific violence on the way.

    MSF is deeply concerned about the safety of its staff and the hundreds of thousands of people in Zamzam camp and urges the Rapid Support Forces, the Joint Forces and all armed actors in the area, to protect civilians and let those willing to flee, be able to do so unharmed.

    In North Darfur, we continue to run emergency activities in Tawila while looking for every possible way to help people in Zamzam and El Fasher without exposing our staff to unacceptable levels of risk. In West, Central and South Darfur and in other parts of the country, our teams keep responding to the catastrophic malnutrition and health crisis driven by a relentless conflict, continued obstructions of the warring parties, and exacerbated by a failing humanitarian response.

    MSF reiterates its call to drastically scale up the provision of assistance in the many places where it remains possible. Warring parties must grant unhindered access for aid delivery and their allies and influential States. must use their leverage to ease the obstacles that are causing death and starvation.

    MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation. MSF has been working in Haiti for over 30 years, offering general healthcare, trauma care, burn wound care, maternity care, and care for survivors of sexual violence. MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. In 2022, more than 120 project staff from Australia and New Zealand worked with MSF on assignment overseas. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: In CNN Interview, Shaheen Discusses Recent Trip to Ukraine, Rebukes President Trump’s Pro-Russia Talking Points, Slams Proposed Cuts at Department of Defense and Musk’s Mass Firing of Federal Workers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    Published: 02.21.2025

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer to discuss her bipartisan Congressional delegation to Ukraine earlier this week and rebuke President Trump’s comments about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that align with Russian propaganda talking points. Shaheen, a top member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, also spoke about how the across-the-board cuts and potential firings at the U.S. Department of Defense weaken the lethality and readiness of America’s military. Click HERE to watch Senator Shaheen’s full CNN interview. 
    Key quotes from Senator Shaheen: 
    On President Trump’s false comments that Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is a “dictator,” Shaheen said: “Well President Trump is just wrong. He’s factually incorrect. […] We just returned, as you pointed out, from Ukraine where we saw the courage and the resilience of the Ukrainian people. […] Senator Tillis and I just went to the floor of the Senate to talk about what we saw in Bucha, a suburb of Kyiv, where the Russians came in, they held siege in that town for 33 days. They indiscriminately shot civilians, in fact, that was the target of what they were trying to do. […] That’s the person that Donald Trump wants to give away the store to. You never start a negotiation by giving away all your leverage at the beginning and that’s what Donald Trump is doing.” 
    On Speaker Johnson’s comments that there is “no appetite” for another Ukraine aid bill in Congress, Shaheen said: “Well, I was at the Munich Security Conference with a bipartisan delegation. […] We met with President Zelenskyy. We talked to him about how the war is going. […] We talked about how we are supporting Ukraine. We want to continue to equip the country. We want to ensure that they have leverage as they’re going into any negotiation with Russia and we want to make sure that Ukraine is at the table for any negotiations.” 
    On U.S. Secretary of Defense Hegseth making broad cuts and potentially firing high-ranking generals, Shaheen said: “You know, he talked a lot about wanting to restore lethality to our military. Well, what he’s doing now doesn’t improve the lethality, it doesn’t improve the readiness, it just creates political divisions at a time when our military’s strength has been that it is not political. Secretary Hegseth is introducing politics into the military in ways that are not good for our national security.” 
    On mass firings of federal workers, Shaheen said: “It’s unfortunate that this has been an indiscriminate effort led by Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, who has multiple conflicts of interest as he’s looking at what he wants to do with government programs and people. And the firings have been not based on expertise or experience or what we need, it’s just been an across the board.”  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen Joins Colleagues in Demanding VA Secretary Collins Put Veterans First, Reverse Mass Terminations of VA Employees

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) joined 35 of her Senate colleagues, led by U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), in sending a letter calling on Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins to immediately reinstate the more than 1,000 fired VA employees who serve veterans and their families nationwide, including critical employees combatting veteran suicide working at the Veterans Crisis Line. The Trump Administration’s mass terminations of VA employees, which included a substantive number of veterans and military spouses, comes at a time when VA faces critical staffing shortages and increased demand for its services.
    The Senators wrote, in part: “Last week, we were outraged by the Administration’s abrupt and indiscriminate termination of tens of thousands of workers across almost every government agency, including more than 1,000 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees. We were further disturbed by the manner in which you publicly celebrated this reprehensible announcement – a clear departure from the assurances provided throughout your confirmation process to never ‘balance budgets on the back of veterans’ benefits’ and to always ‘put the veteran first.’ Not only will this latest action put veterans’ care and benefits at risk, but it further confuses, demoralizes, and threatens a VA workforce we need to fulfill our nation’s sacred promise to our veterans and their families who have already sacrificed so much.”
    They concluded: “With the best interests of veterans in mind, and to ensure VA is capable of carrying out its sacred obligation of behalf of veterans, we urge you to immediately reinstate all of the employees dismissed in the latest indiscriminate terminations and commit to VA employees and veterans that no additional widespread terminations will occur without advanced notification to Congress, a detailed justification, coordination with service-level leadership, and an appropriate assessment of potential impacts on veterans’ health care and benefits. Congress remains ready to collaborate with you, if you are willing to come to the table and put the needs of our veterans above all else.”
    The full letter can be found here.
    Senator Shaheen has spearheaded efforts in the Senate to support veterans and military families. In the committee-passed (FY) 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Shaheen secured Granite State priorities including expanding access to child care for military families, expanded efforts to research the health impacts of harmful forever chemicals and a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted (E1-E4) and a 4.5% pay raise for all other service members and civilians to ensure military families receive the pay and benefits they deserve. Each year, Shaheen leads the bipartisan Senate resolution with Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) to recognize an annual National Warrior Call Day, which encourages Americans to reach out and build meaningful relationships with both those currently serving and veterans and will take place on November 17, 2024. In 2022, Shaheen worked to include provisions and helped pass the historic PACT Act, which expanded health care for veterans who were exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances.   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Call on Duffy to Provide Immediate Transparency on FAA Personnel Firings and Safety Concerns

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
    WASHINGTON –  Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, expressing deep concerns about the recent firings of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) personnel and the troubling involvement of unaccountable entities, including SpaceX, in critical aviation safety decisions. The letter urges Duffy to prioritize the safety of America’s air travel system and to reverse recent cuts to essential FAA safety roles.
    “We write to express our deep concerns with the recent firings of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) personnel and the involvement of a cadre, unaccountable to the American people, in critical aviation safety decision making. The past week has seen mass firings of Federal workers, done without regard to personal performance, the impact on mission effectiveness, and the effect on the country’s ability to deliver services at home or compete abroad. We urge you to stand up for the safety of our national air space and reverse these devastating cuts in key safety roles,” wrote the senators.
    The letter raises alarms about a series of concerning aviation incidents over the past month, including multiple crashes and close calls that highlight the need for highly trained, impartial professionals at the FAA. The lawmakers stressed the need for a commitment to safety, calling out the dangers of prioritizing political agendas over the well-being of American air travelers.
    “We need experienced, qualified, and impartial professionals to investigate these unfortunate incidents, develop plans to prevent these types of accidents from occurring in the future, and implement those plans with the safety of the public as the sole and guiding objective,” wrote the senators.
    In the letter, the senators also raised significant concerns regarding the role of SpaceX in the future of air traffic control, following public statements by Duffy that employees of Elon Musk’s company are involved in “deliver[ing] a new, world-class air traffic control system” and that his so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is “plug[ged] in” to the country’s aviation system.
    The lawmakers noted that the involvement of Musk’s employees in the FAA “is troubling given that SpaceX has been investigated and fined by the FAA for multiple incidences of safety violations, and is at this time actively under investigation by the FAA for additional safety violations.”
    The letter calls for a series of detailed answers from Duffy regarding the role of SpaceX, the processes used to evaluate and select external contractors, and the impact of recent personnel terminations on the safety and effectiveness of FAA operations. The letter also demands a full public accounting of the decision-making process that led to these significant changes, with a commitment to ongoing transparency.
    Text of the letter is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Senate Appropriators Murray, Shaheen Sound Alarm on Public Health Effects of Mass Firings at the Food and Drug Administration; Urge Secretary Kennedy to End Indiscriminate Cuts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    ICYMI: Murray Blasts Trump and Musk Decimating HHS, Risking Americans’ Health and Livelihoods
    ***FACT SHEET: WA State Impacts of Trump and Musk’s Reckless Mass Layoffs***
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies, sent a letter Friday to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to express their grave concerns about the recent mass firings of hundreds of federal workers at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Murray and Shaheen’s counterparts in the U.S. House of Representatives—House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D, CT-03) and Congressman Sanford Bishop (D, GA-02)—also signed the letter. 
    The lawmakers wrote, “The FDA’s mission is to protect public health by assuring the safety, efficacy and security of our human and veterinary drugs, food and cosmetics products and the regulation of tobacco products. We are concerned that the mass firings of probationary staff at the FDA, many of whom with scientific backgrounds, will prevent us from staying on the cutting edge of drug and device approvals, maintaining food safety and responding to new threats, like avian flu.” 
    “This decision will only hurt the American people by preventing advancements in patient care and is directly in conflict with President Trump’s stated health care goal of, ‘providing more choice, better care, and lower costs,’” they continued.
    The full text of the letter can be found here. 
    Last week, Senator Murray responded at length to the Trump administration’s mass firings of dedicated workers across HHS and its many subagencies—and earlier this month she released a fact sheet detailing how reckless mass layoffs across the federal government will jeopardize essential services Americans rely on. Senator Murray was a leading voice in opposition to the confirmation of RFK Jr. as HHS Secretary. Earlier this month on the Senate floor, she warned of the dangers of confirming RFK, Jr.—given his lack of health care experience and deadly rhetoric—and encouraged her colleagues to “show some courage” by rejecting his nomination. A longtime congressional leader on health care and former HELP Committee Chair, she called her meeting with him the “most troubling” she’s ever had with a cabinet nominee.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz: USAID Shuttering Is Illegal, Inefficient, Counterproductive, And Carries Deadly Consequences Worldwide

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, issued the following statement after the Trump administration moved to eliminate 1,600 jobs at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and place the majority of personnel remaining on leave.

    “Trump’s attempted shuttering of USAID is both illegal and carries deadly consequences around the world. None of this is about achieving efficiency – rather, it’s about Trump trying to wish away whatever parts of the government he doesn’t like. In the meantime, as a direct consequence of illegally stopping aid from flowing, vulnerable people are on the verge of dying, diseases are spreading, famine is growing, and all of it threatens the economic and security interests of the United States and our allies and partners. Make no mistake: this indiscriminate and inhumane dismantling of a key instrument of American power undermines decades of work to build goodwill and trust with other nations, leaves an opening our adversaries are eager to fill, and will make all Americans less safe and secure for years to come.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Senate Judiciary, Approps Democratic Leaders Denounce President Trump’s Unlawful Transfer Of Immigrants To Guantánamo

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    February 24, 2025

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, led Democratic leaders of the Senate Judiciary and Appropriations Committees in a letter to President Trump denouncing his transfer of immigrants from the United States to Guantánamo as unlawful and asking for answers to basic questions yet to be provided to Congress.

    The Senators begin by denouncing the transfers, writing: “We write to object to your illegal and unjustified transfers of immigrants from the United States to the detention center at Naval Station Guantánamo Bay, which follows your directive to the Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security to prepare the base to hold tens of thousands of noncitizens. These actions are unprecedented, unlawful, and harmful to American national security, values, and interests. The United States has never sent anyone from the United States to be detained at Guantánamo before now.”

    The Senators continue by outlining the unlawful and unjustified nature of the directive, writing: “There is no basis in U.S. immigration law for transferring noncitizens arrested inside the United States to a location outside of the United States for detention prior to or for the purposes of conducting removal proceedings. Noncitizens inside the United States are entitled to numerous protections under U.S. immigration law and the U.S. Constitution. For example, removal processes under our immigration laws afford noncitizens due process and an opportunity to seek protection from removal to a place where they could face persecution or torture. These rights cannot be extinguished by transfer to a location outside the United States. Simply put, if the processes for obtaining a lawful removal order have not been followed, the forcible removal of a noncitizen to Guantánamo violates U.S. immigration law.”

    The Senators continue by refuting a false DHS statement to the Committee that suggests immigrants with final orders of removal do not need access to counsel, writing: “In addition, individuals in civil immigration detention have a right to access counsel under ICE detention standards, and immigration laws governing removal proceedings. Impeding access to counsel for detained immigrants also may violate the Constitution in some circumstances. In addition, individuals in immigration detention may have appeal or other review rights  and cannot be held indefinitely,  and the only effective means by which a detained individual could assert these rights would be through access to counsel.”

    The Senators also refute the Trump Administration’s false claim that only high-risk immigrants are detained, writing: “While no noncitizen should be sent from the United States to Guantánamo, it also appears that your Administration’s claims that it was sending ‘worst of the worst’ there are misleading. Public reporting indicates that noncitizens who DHS deemed low risk were sent to Guantánamo. In response to inquiries from Judiciary Committee staff, your Administration has even left open the possibility that families, including children, will be detained at Guantánamo, stating that future decisions regarding detention would be made on a ‘case-by-case basis.’”

    The Senators conclude with a striking portrayal of the practical ramifications of this decision before issuing a series of information requests, writing: “Your efforts to house or detain noncitizens forcibly removed from the United States at the MOC and the Camp 6 law of war detention facilities at Guantánamo are cruel, unlawful, and unprecedented. Such hasty and unlawful actions will cause harms to the United States for years to come. As those familiar with the long history of operations at Guantánamo can tell you, detaining individuals there is not a quick fix. Congress has not appropriated funds for such purposes for good reason. Given the isolated location of the base, its controversial history, and the lack of legal authority to detain noncitizens there, continuing down this path will invite more litigation, drain resources, place undue strain on our servicemembers, diminish military readiness, undermine support from our allies, and harm our standing in the world.”

    In addition to Durbin, the letter is signed by: U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee; Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Border Security and Immigration; Chris Murphy (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security; and Peter Welch (D-VT), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution.

    For a PDF of the full letter to President Trump, click here.

    Durbin has been a vocal advocate for shuttering the detention center at Guantánamo Bay. After holding the Committee’s first hearing on the need to close Guantánamo in 2013, Durbin held another hearing in 2021, where he reiterated his frequent calls to close the detention facilities. Durbin emphasized that keeping the detention center open undermines America’s moral standing and credibility around the world and wastes taxpayer dollars.

    In April 2021, Durbin led a group of 23 Senators in a letter to President Biden expressing support for finally closing the detention facility, which he again pressed the President to do in another letter with a group of Senators in February 2024.

    Alongside his efforts to close the Guantánamo detention facility, Durbin has called for justice for the victims of 9/11 and their loved ones. Durbin called on the government to secure guilty pleas from the defendants following years of delays in the military commission case against the accused September 11 plotters and applauded the plea deal that prosecutors ultimately secured in the case. After then-Defense Secretary Austin tried to revoke the guilty pleas just days after they were announced, Durbin urged the Secretary to reconsider on his decision in August and December 2024.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: With 10 Votes in Favour, 5 Abstentions, Security Council Adopts Resolution 2774 (2025) Mourning Loss of Life, as Russian Federation’s Invasion of Ukraine Enters Fourth Year

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Members Implore Swift End to Conflict, Urge Lasting Peace between Two Nations

    As the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine entered its fourth year, the Security Council today adopted a resolution mourning the tragic loss of life and reiterating that the principal purpose of the United Nations is to maintain international peace and security and peacefully settle disputes.

    Adopting resolution 2774 (2025) (to be issued as document S/RES/2774(2025)) by a vote of 10 in favour to none against, with 5 abstentions (Denmark, France, Greece, Slovenia, United Kingdom), the Council implored a swift end to the conflict and urged a lasting peace between Ukraine and the Russian Federation.

    Before the vote, the representative of the United States said that the Council stands on “the precipice of history with a solemn task — creating conditions to end the bloodiest war on the European continent” since the organ was created in June 1945.  Noting that her country’s draft text is “a symbolic, simple first step towards peace”, she added that it “is not a peace deal”.  Rather, it represents a path to peace, and she urged all Council members to join the United States in vanquishing the scourge of this war.

    Proposed Amendments Fail to Obtain Required Number of Votes

    However, the representative of the United Kingdom underscored:  “There can be no equivalence between Russia and Ukraine in how this Council refers to this war.”  Moscow chose to launch a war of aggression, and “the Council must be clear on this”, she stressed.  “We must also be clear that peace must respect the UN Charter and Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders,” she added, proposing several amendments to the text on behalf of the Council members who ultimately abstained from the vote on the text as a whole.

    France’s delegate noted such proposed amendments demonstrate “our resolute commitment — after three years of war — to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine”.  However, he underscored that peace cannot be a synonym for capitulation of the aggressed State.  The amendments, he said, also aim to recall that there is an aggressor and an aggressed State, with the Russian Federation having attacked a sovereign State that posed no threat to it.

    The representative of the Russian Federation, for his part, said of today’s text:  “We consider it, overall, as a common-sense initiative.”  It reflects, he said, the desire of the new United States Administration to “really contribute”.  He also proposed several amendments, including inserting language regarding the need to “eradicate the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis”.  On the amendments proposed by the European Council members, he said they “replace the essence of the American text and make it into another anti-Russia ultimatum”.

    None of the five proposed amendments were adopted, either because they failed to obtain the required number of votes or because the Russian Federation cast its veto.

    United States’ Speaker Welcomes Adoption of First Resolution in Three Years on Ukraine Firmly Calling for End to Conflict 

    Following the adoption of the unamended text, the representative of the United States welcomed Council members’ support of the resolution, welcoming the first Council action taken in three years on Ukraine to firmly call for an end to the conflict.  “This resolution puts us on the path to peace,” she affirmed, and although it is a first step, it is a crucial one.  The Council must now use it to build a peaceful future for Ukraine, the Russian Federation and the international community.

    Other Council Members Support Text Overall Yet Raise Concerns

    The representative of France, however, said that, while his country is “fully committed to peace in Ukraine”, Paris calls for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace — “certainly not for capitulation of the victim”.  “There will be no peace and security if aggressors are rewarded and the law of the jungle wins,” he stressed.  Similarly, the representative of the United Kingdom stressed that the terms of peace must send the message that aggression does not pay.  No peace will be sustainable without Ukraine’s consent, she said, voicing regret that her delegation’s proposals making these points clear were not taken on board.

    “There is nobody who wants peace more than Ukrainians and Europeans,” stressed Slovenia’s representative.  However, he observed:  “A person convinced against their will is against you still — there will be peace, but it will be just and it needs to last.”  Building on that, Denmark’s representative stressed that peace must be on the right terms, voicing regret that today’s resolution falls far short of that vision.  “We need to reaffirm our commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” she stated.

    For his part, the representative of the Republic of Korea — noting that Moscow’s war of aggression has “tragically claimed countless innocent lives” — expressed hope that today’s adoption will provide an opportunity “for all relevant parties to accelerate efforts to achieve just and sustainable peace”.  And while Guyana’s representative said that the text is an important step towards a peaceful end to the war, she said that there would have been added value in affirming support for the UN Charter – particularly States’ obligation to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State.

    Pakistan’s representative — noting that the “priority of peace has remained largely absent and elusive”, even as the security, humanitarian and economic crises have intensified — said:  “A different approach was perhaps required.”  He therefore expressed hope that today’s resolution will “lend impetus to an inclusive peace process that yields a durable solution in accordance with international law”.

    Panama’s representative also voiced support for the resolution, as it is not objectionable due to its simplistic content.  However, “its silence speaks more eloquently than its words”, he observed, adding that his country understands the aftermath of violations of sovereignty and territorial integrity.  “And for our own historic reasons, we have always rejected the aggression of one State against another,” he said.

    Recalling his delegation’s repeated calls for the parties to engage in negotiations to reach a just and permanent peace in the region, the representative of Algeria said that “our call was the only criteria that Algeria used to determine its position today through our vote”.  Similarly, the representative of China, Council President for February, spoke in his national capacity to recall his country’s “consistent principles and propositions on the Ukraine issue”.  He added: “The ultimate solution for any conflict lies at the peace table.”

    Russian Federation Welcomes Changes in United States Position

    Meanwhile, the representative of the Russian Federation welcomed changes in the United States’ position on the Ukrainian conflict.  “It is clear that the militarizing Europe today is the only player internationally which wants the war to continue,” he stated.  And while today’s text is not ideal, it is a first attempt to have a constructive and future-oriented product by the Council.  The key outline of a restored European and international security “can already be seen in the American text and this gives us a certain optimism”, he stated.

    At the outset of the meeting, the representative of France proposed that today’s vote be postponed, expressing concern that the text was introduced “without real negotiations among Council members”.  While the representative of the United Kingdom expressed strong support for that proposal, the representative of the United States opposed it.  Ultimately, that proposal was rejected for failing to obtain a sufficient number of votes.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VA dismisses more than 1,400 probationary employees

    Source: US Department of Veterans Affairs

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    Mission-critical positions are exempt from the reductions, which will enable VA to redirect over $83 million annually to health care, benefits and services for VA beneficiaries

    WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs today announced the dismissal of more than 1,400 employees in non-mission critical positions.

    In the meantime, VA continues to hire for more than 300,000 mission-critical positions that are exempt from the federal hiring freeze.

    VA positions considered mission critical include Veterans Crisis Line responders, among other roles. VA positions considered non-mission critical include DEI-related positions, among other roles.

    Those dismissed today are bargaining-unit probationary employees who have served less than a year in a competitive service appointment or who have served less than two years in an excepted service appointment.

    The personnel moves will save the department more than $83 million per year, and VA will redirect all of those resources back toward health care, benefits and services for VA beneficiaries.

    There are currently nearly 40,000 probationary employees across the department, the vast majority of whom were exempt from today’s personnel actions because they serve in mission-critical positions – primarily those supporting benefits and services for VA beneficiaries. VA employees who elected to participate in the Office of Personnel Management’s deferred resignation program are also exempt from today’s personnel actions.

    As an additional safeguard to ensure VA benefits and services are not impacted, the first Senior Executive Service (SES) or SES-equivalent leader in a dismissed employee’s chain of command can request that the employee be exempted from removal.

    Today’s actions follow other dismissals VA announced Feb. 13 and are part of a government-wide Trump Administration effort to make agencies more efficient, effective and responsive to the American people. To that end, VA is refocusing on its core mission: providing the best possible care and benefits to Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors.

    “These and other recent personnel decisions are extraordinarily difficult, but VA is focused on allocating its resources to help as many Veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors as possible,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “These moves will not hurt VA health care, benefits or beneficiaries. In fact, Veterans are going to notice a change for the better. In the coming weeks and months, VA will be announcing plans to put these resources to work helping the department fulfill its core mission: providing the best possible care and benefits to Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors.”

    Reporters and media outlets with questions or comments should contact the Office of Media Relations at vapublicaffairs@va.gov

    Veterans with questions about their health care and benefits (including GI Bill). Questions, updates and documents can be submitted online.

    Contact us online through Ask VA

    Veterans can also use our chatbot to get information about VA benefits and services. The chatbot won’t connect you with a person, but it can show you where to go on VA.gov to find answers to some common questions.

    Learn about our chatbot and ask a question

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Archrock Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results and Provides 2025 Guidance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Archrock, Inc. (NYSE: AROC) (“Archrock”) today reported results for the fourth quarter and full year 2024.

    Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Highlights

    • Revenue for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $326.4 million compared to $259.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. Revenue for 2024 was $1,157.6 million compared to $990.3 million in 2023.
    • Net income for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $59.8 million and EPS was $0.34, compared to $33.0 million and $0.21, respectively, in the fourth quarter of 2023. Net income for 2024 was $172.2 million and EPS was $1.05, compared to $105.0 million and $0.67, respectively, in 2023.
    • Adjusted net income (a non-GAAP measure defined below) for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $61.5 million and adjusted EPS (a non-GAAP measure defined below) was $0.35, compared to $33.0 million and $0.21, respectively, in the fourth quarter of 2023. Adjusted net income for 2024 was $185.2 million and adjusted EPS was $1.13 compared to $105.0 million and $0.67, respectively, in 2023.
    • Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP measure defined below) for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $183.8 million compared to $120.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. Adjusted EBITDA for 2024 was $595.4 million compared to $450.4 million in 2023.
    • Declared a quarterly dividend of $0.19 per common share for the fourth quarter of 2024, approximately 15% higher compared to the fourth quarter of 2023, resulting in dividend coverage of 3.5x.

    Management Commentary and Outlook

    “Archrock’s outstanding fourth quarter performance rounded out a record-setting year of robust utilization and profitability,” said Brad Childers, Archrock’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “For 2024, we increased our contract operations adjusted gross margin by 500 basis points, improved our net income by over 60% and grew our adjusted EBITDA by more than 30% year over year. We maintained a prudent balance sheet, ending the year with a leverage ratio of 3.3x, and returned $124 million in capital to our shareholders through dividends and share buybacks. We achieved these milestones while concurrently completing a transformative acquisition that established our leadership position in electric motor drive compression. 

    “We are even more excited about what we are positioned to deliver in 2025. Archrock continues to perform at an exceptional level, reflecting consistent operational execution and the successful progression of our strategic initiatives. Our investment in high-quality assets, excellent customer service and implementation of innovative technology and processes are driving value for our customers and our shareholders.

    “Moreover, we see the market opportunities provided by rising energy demand, and in particular, the natural gas required to support growing LNG exports and power generation, continuing into the foreseeable future. With sustained high utilization levels and a large and contracted backlog for 2025, we are booking units for 2026 delivery and believe we will continue to see strong customer demand for new equipment well into next year.

    “This impressive and durable investment outlook for Archrock is further underpinned by our financial flexibility and returns-based capital allocation. We are investing in profitable, high-return growth in large midstream and electric motor drive compression to support our high-quality customers in premier, primarily associated gas, plays like the Permian.  We also remain committed to consistent growth in shareholder returns and started the year with a 15% year-over-year increase to our quarterly dividend per share, while maintaining prudent dividend coverage and leverage ratios,” concluded Childers.

    Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results

    Archrock’s fourth quarter 2024 net income of $59.8 million included a non-cash long-lived and other asset impairment of $1.2 million, transaction-related costs totaling $2.2 million and a non-cash unrealized decrease in the fair value of our investment in an unconsolidated affiliate of $1.5 million. Archrock’s fourth quarter 2023 net income of $33.0 million included a non-cash long-lived and other asset impairment of $3.7 million and a non-cash unrealized increase in the fair value of our investment in an unconsolidated affiliate of $1.0 million.

    Fourth quarter 2024 selling, general, and administrative expenses of $42.2 million compared to $33.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2023 primarily reflect the increase in stock price throughout the year, which drove higher long-term incentive compensation, as well as other increases in performance-based short-term and long-term incentive compensation expense given the outperformance relative to earlier expectations in 2024.

    Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2024 and 2023 included $12.7 million and $2.2 million, respectively, in net gains related to the sale of compression and other assets.

    Archrock’s full year 2024 net income of $172.2 million included the following items: transaction-related costs totaling $13.2 million, a non-cash long-lived and other asset impairment of $10.7 million, a debt extinguishment loss of $3.2 million, and a non-cash unrealized decrease in the fair value of our investment in an unconsolidated affiliate of $1.5 million. Archrock’s full year 2023 net income of $105.0 million included the following items: a non-cash long-lived and other asset impairment of $12.0 million, restructuring charges of $1.8 million and a non-cash unrealized decrease in the fair value of our investment in an unconsolidated affiliate of $1.0 million.

    Adjusted EBITDA for the full year 2024 and 2023 included $17.9 million and $10.2 million, respectively, in net gains related to the sale of compression and other assets.

    Contract Operations

    For the fourth quarter of 2024, contract operations segment revenue totaled $286.5 million, an increase of 34% compared to $213.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. Adjusted gross margin for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $200.2 million, up 46% from $137.1 million. Adjusted gross margin percentage for the fourth quarter of 2024 was 70%, compared to 64% in the fourth quarter of 2023. Total operating horsepower at the end of the fourth quarter of 2024 was 4.2 million compared to 3.6 million at the end of the fourth quarter of 2023. Utilization at the end of the fourth quarter of 2024 was 96%, consistent with the fourth quarter of 2023.

    Aftermarket Services

    For the fourth quarter of 2024, aftermarket services segment revenue totaled $40.0 million, compared to $46.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 due to seasonal delay in service activity. Adjusted gross margin for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $9.1 million, compared to $10.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. Adjusted gross margin percentage for the fourth quarter of 2024 was 23%, compared to 22% for the fourth quarter of 2023.

    Balance Sheet

    Long-term debt was $2.2 billion and our available liquidity totaled $688 million at December 31, 2024. Our leverage ratio was 3.3x as of December 31, 2024, down from 3.5x as of December 31, 2023.

    Quarterly Dividend

    Our Board of Directors recently declared a quarterly dividend of $0.19 per share of common stock, or $0.70 per share on an annualized basis for the year ended December 31, 2024. Dividend coverage in the fourth quarter of 2024 was 3.5x. The fourth quarter 2024 dividend was paid on February 19, 2025 to stockholders of record at the close of business on February 12, 2025.

    2025 Annual Guidance

    (in thousands, except percentages, per share amounts, and ratios)

        Full Year 2025 Guidance  
          Low     High  
    Net income (1) (2)   $ 253,000   $ 293,000  
    Adjusted EBITDA(3)     750,000     790,000  
    Cash available for dividend(4) (5)     456,000     471,000  
                   
    Segment              
    Contract operations revenue   $ 1,200,000   $ 1,235,000  
    Contract operations adjusted gross margin percentage     68 %   71 %
    Aftermarket services revenue   $ 190,000   $ 210,000  
    Aftermarket services adjusted gross margin percentage     22 %   24 %
                   
    Selling, general and administrative   $ 147,000   $ 142,000  
                   
    Capital expenditures              
    Growth capital expenditures   $ 330,000   $ 370,000  
    Maintenance capital expenditures     105,000     115,000  
    Other capital expenditures     35,000     50,000  
    __________________________________
    (1) 2025 annual guidance for net income does not include the impact of long-lived and other asset impairment because due to its nature, it cannot be accurately forecasted. Long-lived and other asset impairment does not impact adjusted EBITDA or cash available for dividend, however it is a reconciling item between these measures and net income. Long-lived and other asset impairment for the years 2024 and 2023 was $10.7 million and $12.0 million, respectively.
    (2) Reflects an estimate of expenses to be incurred related to the acquisition of Total Operations and Production Services, LLC (the “TOPS Acquisition”).
    (3) Management believes adjusted EBITDA provides useful information to investors because this non-GAAP measure, when viewed with our GAAP results and accompanying reconciliations, provides a more complete understanding of our performance than GAAP results alone. Management uses this non-GAAP measure as a supplemental measure to review current period operating performance, comparability measure and performance measure for period-to-period comparisons.
    (4) Management uses cash available for dividend as a supplemental performance measure to compute the coverage ratio of estimated cash flows to planned dividends.
    (5) A forward-looking estimate of cash provided by operating activities is not provided because certain items necessary to estimate cash provided by operating activities, including changes in assets and liabilities, are not estimable at this time. Changes in assets and liabilities were $(25.8) million and $(28.0) million for the years 2024 and 2023, respectively.
     

    Summary Metrics

    (in thousands, except percentages, per share amounts and ratios)

        Three Months Ended     Year Ended  
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31,      December 31,    December 31,   
        2024   2024
    		   2023     2024
    		   2023
    		  
    Net income   $ 59,758     $ 37,516     $ 33,002       $ 172,231     $ 104,998    
    Adjusted net income (1)   $ 61,533     $ 47,313     $ 33,002       $ 185,211     $ 104,998    
    Adjusted EBITDA (1)   $ 183,844     $ 150,854     $ 120,263       $ 595,434     $ 450,387    
                                           
    Contract operations revenue   $ 286,466     $ 245,420     $ 213,022       $ 980,405     $ 809,439    
    Contract operations adjusted gross margin   $ 200,245     $ 165,610     $ 137,062       $ 657,353     $ 502,691    
    Contract operations adjusted gross margin percentage     70   %   67   %   64   %     67   %   62   %
                                           
    Aftermarket services revenue   $ 39,950     $ 46,741     $ 46,571       $ 177,186     $ 180,898    
    Aftermarket services adjusted gross margin   $ 9,054     $ 12,346     $ 10,239       $ 41,737     $ 38,627    
    Aftermarket services adjusted gross margin percentage     23   %   26   %   22   %     24   %   21   %
                                           
    Selling, general, and administrative   $ 42,234     $ 34,059     $ 33,007       $ 139,121     $ 116,639    
                                           
    Net cash provided by operating activities   $ 124,338     $ 96,900     $ 71,719         429,591       310,187    
    Cash available for dividend(1)   $ 118,089     $ 92,887     $ 71,484       $ 364,595     $ 232,979    
    Cash available for dividend coverage (2)     3.5   x   3.0   x   2.8   x     3.1   x   2.4   x
                                           
    Adjusted free cash flow (1) (3)   $ 68,945     $ (834,282 )   $ 47,385         (730,472 )     77,696    
    Adjusted free cash flow after dividend (1) (3)   $ 38,255     $ (862,147 )   $ 23,195         (840,846 )     (18,100 )  
                                           
    Total available horsepower (at period end) (4)     4,401       4,418       3,759         4,401       3,759    
    Total operating horsepower (at period end) (5)     4,227       4,179       3,607         4,227       3,607    
    Horsepower utilization spot (at period end) (6)     96   %   95   %   96   %     96   %   96   %
    __________________________________
    (1)  Management believes adjusted net income, adjusted EBITDA, cash available for dividend, adjusted free cash flow and adjusted free cash flow after dividend provide useful information to investors because these non-GAAP measures, when viewed with our GAAP results and accompanying reconciliations, provide a more complete understanding of our performance than GAAP results alone. Management uses these non-GAAP measures as supplemental measures to review current period operating performance, comparability measures and performance measures for period-to-period comparisons.
    (2)  Defined as cash available for dividend divided by dividends declared for the period.
    (3)  Reflects $866.2 million cash paid in TOPS Acquisition, net of cash acquired.
    (4)  Defined as idle and operating horsepower and includes new compressor units completed by a third-party manufacturer that have been delivered to us.
    (5)  Defined as horsepower that is operating under contract and horsepower that is idle but under contract and generating revenue such as standby revenue.
    (6)  Defined as total available horsepower divided by total operating horsepower at period end.
     

    Conference Call Details

    Archrock will host a conference call on February 25, 2025, to discuss fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results. The call will begin at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

    To listen to the call via a live webcast, please visit Archrock’s website at www.archrock.com. The call will also be available by dialing 1 (800) 715-9871 in the United States or 1 (646) 307-1963 for international calls. The access code is 4749623.

    A replay of the webcast will be available on Archrock’s website for 90 days following the event.

    Adjusted net income, a non-GAAP measure, is defined as net income (loss) excluding transaction-related costs and debt extinguishment loss adjusted for income taxes. A reconciliation of adjusted net income to net income, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, and a reconciliation of adjusted earnings per share to basic and diluted earnings per common share, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, appear below.

    Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, is defined as net income (loss) excluding interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, long-lived and other asset impairment, unrealized change in fair value of investment in unconsolidated affiliate, restructuring charges, debt extinguishment loss, transaction-related costs, non-cash stock-based compensation expense, amortization of capitalized implementation costs and other items. A reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, and a reconciliation of our full year 2025 adjusted EBITDA guidance to net income appear below.

    Adjusted gross margin, a non-GAAP measure, is defined as revenue less cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization. Adjusted gross margin percentage, a non-GAAP measure, is defined as adjusted gross margin divided by revenue. A reconciliation of adjusted gross margin to net income, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, and a reconciliation of adjusted gross margin percentage to gross margin appear below.

    Cash available for dividend, a non-GAAP measure, is defined as net income (loss) excluding interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, long-lived and other asset impairment, unrealized change in fair value of investment in unconsolidated affiliate, restructuring charges, debt extinguishment loss, transaction-related costs, non-cash stock-based compensation expense, amortization of capitalized implementation costs and other items, less maintenance capital expenditures, other capital expenditures, cash taxes and cash interest expense. Reconciliations of cash available for dividend to net income and net cash provided by operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP measures, and a reconciliation of our full year 2025 cash available for dividend guidance to net income appear below.

    Adjusted free cash flow, a non-GAAP measure, is defined as net cash provided by operating activities plus net cash provided by (used in) investing activities. A reconciliation of adjusted free cash flow to net cash provided by operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, appears below.

    Adjusted free cash flow after dividend, a non-GAAP measure, is defined as net cash provided by operating activities plus net cash provided by (used in) investing activities less dividends paid to stockholders. A reconciliation of adjusted free cash flow after dividend to net cash provided by operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, appears below.

    About Archrock

    Archrock is an energy infrastructure company with a primary focus on midstream natural gas compression and a commitment to helping its customers produce, compress and transport natural gas in a safe and environmentally responsible way. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Archrock is a premier provider of natural gas compression services to customers in the energy industry throughout the U.S. and a leading supplier of aftermarket services to customers that own compression equipment. For more information on how Archrock embodies its purpose, WE POWER A CLEANER AMERICA, visit www.archrock.com.

    Forward–Looking Statements

    All statements in this release (and oral statements made regarding the subjects of this release) other than historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions concerning future events and are subject to a number of uncertainties and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements, many of which are outside the control of Archrock. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to statements regarding: guidance or estimates related to Archrock’s results of operations or of financial condition; fundamentals of Archrock’s industry, including the attractiveness of returns and valuation, stability of cash flows, demand dynamics and overall outlook, and Archrock’s ability to realize the benefits thereof; Archrock’s expectations regarding future economic, geopolitical and market conditions and trends; Archrock’s operational and financial strategies, including planned growth, coverage and leverage reduction strategies, Archrock’s ability to successfully effect those strategies, and the expected results therefrom; Archrock’s financial and operational outlook; demand and growth opportunities for Archrock’s services; structural and process improvement initiatives, the expected timing thereof, Archrock’s ability to successfully effect those initiatives and the expected results therefrom; the operational and financial synergies provided by Archrock’s size; statements regarding Archrock’s dividend policy; the expected benefits of the TOPS Acquisition, including its expected accretion and the expected impact on Archrock’s leverage ratio; and plans and objectives of management for future operations.

    While Archrock believes that the assumptions concerning future events are reasonable, it cautions that there are inherent difficulties in predicting certain important factors that could impact the future performance or results of its business. The factors that could cause results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: risks related to macroeconomic conditions, including an increase in inflation and trade tensions; pandemics and other public health crises; ongoing international conflicts and tensions; risks related to our operations; competitive pressures; risks of acquisitions to reduce our ability to make distributions to our common stockholders; inability to make acquisitions on economically acceptable terms; risks related to our sustainability initiatives; uncertainty to pay dividends in the future; risks related to a substantial amount of debt and our debt agreements; inability to access the capital and credit markets or borrow on affordable terms to obtain additional capital; inability to fund purchases of additional compression equipment; vulnerability to interest rate increases; erosion of the financial condition of our customers; risks related to the loss of our most significant customers; uncertainty of the renewals for our contract operations service agreements; risks related to losing management or operational personnel; dependence on particular suppliers and vulnerability to product shortages and price increases; information technology and cybersecurity risks; tax-related risks; legal and regulatory risks, including climate-related and environmental, social and governance risks.

    These forward-looking statements are also affected by the risk factors, forward-looking statements and challenges and uncertainties described in Archrock’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, Archrock’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2024 and those set forth from time to time in Archrock’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available at www.archrock.com. Except as required by law, Archrock expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    SOURCE: Archrock, Inc.

    For information, contact:

    Megan Repine
    VP of Investor Relations
    281-836-8360
    investor.relations@archrock.com

     
    Archrock, Inc.
    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (in thousands, except per share amounts)
                                   
        Three Months Ended   Year Ended
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31,    December 31,    December 31, 
        2024   2024   2023   2024   2023
    Revenue:                              
    Contract operations   $ 286,466     $ 245,420     $ 213,022     $ 980,405     $ 809,439  
    Aftermarket services     39,950       46,741       46,571       177,186       180,898  
    Total revenue     326,416       292,161       259,593       1,157,591       990,337  
                                   
    Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization                              
    Contract operations     86,221       79,810       75,960       323,052       306,748  
    Aftermarket services     30,896       34,395       36,332       135,449       142,271  
    Total cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization     117,117       114,205       112,292       458,501       449,019  
                                   
    Selling, general and administrative     42,234       34,059       33,007       139,121       116,639  
    Depreciation and amortization     58,129       48,377       42,695       193,194       166,241  
    Long-lived and other asset impairment     1,203       2,509       3,658       10,681       12,041  
    Restructuring charges     —       —       221       —       1,775  
    Debt extinguishment loss     —       3,181       —       3,181       —  
    Interest expense     38,238       30,179       27,938       123,610       111,488  
    Transaction-related costs     2,247       9,220       —       13,249       —  
    Gain on sale of assets, net     (12,712 )     (2,218 )     (2,181 )     (17,887 )     (10,199 )
    Other (income) expense, net     1,598       (304 )     (745 )     1,561       1,086  
    Income before income taxes     78,362       52,953       42,708       232,380       142,247  
    Provision for income taxes     18,604       15,437       9,706       60,149       37,249  
    Net income   $ 59,758     $ 37,516     $ 33,002     $ 172,231     $ 104,998  
                                   
    Basic and diluted net income per common share (1)   $ 0.34     $ 0.22     $ 0.21     $ 1.05     $ 0.67  
                                   
    Weighted-average common shares outstanding:                              
    Basic     173,451       165,847       153,879       162,037       154,126  
    Diluted     173,848       166,173       154,177       162,375       154,344  
    __________________________________
    (1)  Basic and diluted net income per common share is computed using the two-class method to determine the net income per share for each class of common stock and participating security (restricted stock and stock-settled restricted stock units that have non-forfeitable rights to receive dividends or dividend equivalents) according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Accordingly, we have excluded net income attributable to participating securities from our calculation of basic and diluted net income per common share.
     
    Archrock, Inc.
    Unaudited Supplemental Information
    (in thousands, except percentages, per share amounts and ratios)
                                       
        Three Months Ended       Year Ended  
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31,      December 31,    December 31,   
        2024   2024   2023     2024   2023  
    Revenue:                                  
    Contract operations   $ 286,466     $ 245,420     $ 213,022       $ 980,405     $ 809,439    
    Aftermarket services     39,950       46,741       46,571         177,186       180,898    
    Total revenue   $ 326,416     $ 292,161     $ 259,593       $ 1,157,591     $ 990,337    
                                       
    Adjusted gross margin:                                  
    Contract operations   $ 200,245     $ 165,610     $ 137,062       $ 657,353     $ 502,691    
    Aftermarket services     9,054       12,346       10,239         41,737       38,627    
    Total adjusted gross margin (1)   $ 209,299     $ 177,956     $ 147,301       $ 699,090     $ 541,318    
                                       
    Adjusted gross margin percentage:                                  
    Contract operations     70   %   67   %   64   %     67   %   62   %
    Aftermarket services     23   %   26   %   22   %     24   %   21   %
    Total adjusted gross margin percentage (1)     64   %   61   %   57   %     60   %   55   %
                                       
    Selling, general and administrative   $ 42,234     $ 34,059     $ 33,007       $ 139,121     $ 116,639    
    % of revenue     13   %   12   %   13   %     12   %   12   %
                                       
    Adjusted EBITDA (1)   $ 183,844     $ 150,854     $ 120,263       $ 595,434     $ 450,387    
    % of revenue     56   %   52   %   46   %     51   %   45   %
                                       
    Capital expenditures   $ 97,988     $ 70,018     $ 36,655       $ 359,032     $ 298,632    
    Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets     (43,387 )     (6,654 )     (17,543 )       (67,591 )     (72,206 )  
    Net capital expenditures   $ 54,601     $ 63,364     $ 19,112       $ 291,441     $ 226,426    
                                       
    Total available horsepower (at period end) (2)     4,401       4,418       3,759         4,401       3,759    
    Total operating horsepower (at period end) (3)     4,227       4,179       3,607         4,227       3,607    
    Average operating horsepower     4,205       3,757       3,607         3,794       3,554    
    Horsepower utilization:                                  
    Spot (at period end) (4)     96   %   95   %   96   %     96   %   96   %
    Average (4)     95   %   95   %   96   %     95   %   95   %
                                       
    Dividend declared for the period per share   $ 0.190     $ 0.175     $ 0.165       $ 0.695     $ 0.625    
    Dividend declared for the period to all stockholders   $ 33,487     $ 30,656     $ 25,913       $ 117,861     $ 97,857    
    Cash available for dividend coverage (5)     3.5   x   3.0   x   2.8   x     3.1   x   2.4   x
                                       
    Adjusted free cash flow (1) (6)   $ 68,945     $ (834,282 )   $ 47,385       $ (730,472 )   $ 77,696    
    Adjusted free cash flow after dividend (1)(6)   $ 38,255     $ (862,147 )   $ 23,195       $ (840,846 )   $ (18,100 )  
    __________________________________
    (1) Management believes adjusted gross margin, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted free cash flow and adjusted free cash flow after dividend provide useful information to investors because these non-GAAP measures, when viewed with our GAAP results and accompanying reconciliations, provide a more complete understanding of our performance than GAAP results alone. Management uses these non-GAAP measures as supplemental measures to review current period operating performance, comparability measures and performance measures for period-to-period comparisons.
    (2) Defined as idle and operating horsepower and includes new compressor units completed by a third-party manufacturer that have been delivered to us.
    (3) Defined as horsepower that is operating under contract and horsepower that is idle but under contract and generating revenue such as standby revenue.
    (4) Defined as total available horsepower divided by total operating horsepower at period end (spot) or over time (average).
    (5) Defined as cash available for dividend divided by dividends declared for the period.
    (6) Reflects $866.2 million cash paid in TOPS Acquisition, net of cash acquired.
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31, 
           2024      2024      2023
    Balance Sheet                  
    Long-term debt (1)   $ 2,198,376   $ 2,236,131   $ 1,584,869
    Total equity     1,323,531     1,290,736     871,021
    __________________________________
    (1)  Carrying values are shown net of unamortized premium and deferred financing costs.
     
    Archrock, Inc.
    Unaudited Supplemental Information
    Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted Net Income and Earnings Per Share to Adjusted Earnings Per Share
    (in thousands, except per share amounts)
                                       
        Three Months Ended   Year Ended
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31,    December 31,    December 31, 
        2024   2024   2023   2024   2023
    Net income   $ 59,758     $ 37,516     $ 33,002     $ 172,231     $ 104,998  
    Transaction-related costs     2,247       9,220       —       13,249       —  
    Debt extinguishment loss     —       3,181       —       3,181       —  
    Tax effect of adjustments (1)     (472 )     (2,604 )     —       (3,450 )     —  
    Adjusted net income (2)   $ 61,533     $ 47,313     $ 33,002     $ 185,211     $ 104,998  
                                       
    Weighted-average common shares outstanding used in diluted earnings per common share     173,451       166,173       154,401       162,037       154,344  
                                       
    Basic and diluted earnings per common share (3)   $ 0.34     $ 0.22     $ 0.21       1.05       0.67  
    Transaction-related costs per share     0.01       0.06       —       0.08       —  
    Debt extinguishment loss per share     —       0.02       —       0.02       —  
    Tax effect of adjustments per share     (0.00 )     (0.02 )     —       (0.02 )     —  
    Adjusted earnings per share (2)   $ 0.35     $ 0.28     $ 0.21     $ 1.13     $ 0.67  
    __________________________________
    (1) Represents tax effect of transaction-related costs and debt extinguishment loss based on statutory tax rate.
    (2) Management believes adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share provides useful information to investors because these non-GAAP measures, when viewed with our GAAP results and accompanying reconciliations, provide a more complete understanding of our performance than GAAP results alone. Management uses these non-GAAP measures as supplemental measures to review our current period operating performance, comparability measure and performance measure for period-to-period comparisons without burdened earnings and earnings per share for non-recurring transactional costs.
    (3) Basic and diluted net income per common share is computed using the two-class method to determine the net income per share for each class of common stock and participating security (restricted stock and stock-settled restricted stock units that have non-forfeitable rights to receive dividends or dividend equivalents) according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Accordingly, we have excluded net income attributable to participating securities from our calculation of basic and diluted net income per common share.
     
    Archrock, Inc.
    Unaudited Supplemental Information
    Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Gross Margin
    (in thousands)
                                   
        Three Months Ended   Year Ended
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31,    December 31,    December 31, 
        2024   2024   2023   2024   2023
    Net income   $ 59,758     $ 37,516     $ 33,002     $ 172,231     $ 104,998  
    Depreciation and amortization     58,129       48,377       42,695       193,194       166,241  
    Long-lived and other asset impairment     1,203       2,509       3,658       10,681       12,041  
    Unrealized change in fair value of investment in unconsolidated affiliate     1,484       —       (1,023 )     1,484       973  
    Restructuring charges     —             221       —       1,775  
    Debt extinguishment loss     —       3,181       —       3,181       —  
    Interest expense     38,238       30,179       27,938       123,610       111,488  
    Transaction-related costs     2,247       9,220       —       13,249       —  
    Stock-based compensation expense     3,431       3,738       3,283       14,646       12,998  
    Amortization of capitalized implementation costs     750       697       783       3,009       2,624  
    Provision for income taxes     18,604       15,437       9,706       60,149       37,249  
    Adjusted EBITDA (1)     183,844       150,854       120,263       595,434       450,387  
    Selling, general and administrative     42,234       34,059       33,007       139,121       116,639  
    Stock-based compensation expense     (3,431 )     (3,738 )     (3,283 )     (14,646 )     (12,998 )
    Amortization of capitalized implementation costs     (750 )     (697 )     (783 )     (3,009 )     (2,624 )
    Gain on sale of assets, net     (12,712 )     (2,218 )     (2,181 )     (17,887 )     (10,199 )
    Other (income) expense, net     1,598       (304 )     (745 )     1,561       1,086  
    Adjusted gross margin (1)   $ 209,299     $ 177,956     $ 147,301     $ 699,090     $ 541,318  
    __________________________________
    (1)  Management believes adjusted EBITDA and adjusted gross margin provide useful information to investors because these non-GAAP measures, when viewed with our GAAP results and accompanying reconciliations, provide a more complete understanding of our performance than GAAP results alone. Management uses these non-GAAP measures as supplemental measures to review current period operating performance, comparability measures and performance measures for period-to-period comparisons.
     
    Archrock, Inc.
    Unaudited Supplemental Information
    Reconciliation of Total Revenue to Adjusted Gross Margin
    (in thousands)
                                             
        Three Months Ended   Year Ended
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31,    December 31,    December 31, 
        2024   2024   2023   2024   2023
    Total revenues   $ 326,416       $ 292,161       $ 259,593       $ 1,157,591       $ 990,337    
    Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization     (117,117 )       (114,205 )       (112,292 )       (458,501 )       (449,019 )  
    Depreciation and amortization     (58,129 )       (48,377 )       (42,695 )       (193,194 )       (166,241 )  
    Gross margin     151,170   46 %     129,579   44 %     104,606   40 %     505,896   44 %     375,077   38 %
    Depreciation and amortization     58,129         48,377         42,695         193,194         166,241    
    Adjusted gross margin (1)   $ 209,299   64 %   $ 177,956   61 %   $ 147,301   57 %   $ 699,090   60 %     541,318   55 %
    __________________________________
    (1) Management believes adjusted gross margin provides useful information to investors because this non-GAAP measure, when viewed with our GAAP results and accompanying reconciliations, provides a more complete understanding of our performance than GAAP results alone. Management uses this non-GAAP measure as a supplemental measure to review current period operating performance, comparability measures and performance measures for period-to-period comparisons.
     
    Archrock, Inc.
    Unaudited Supplemental Information
    Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA and Cash Available for Dividend
    (in thousands)
                                   
        Three Months Ended   Year Ended
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31,    December 31,    December 31, 
        2024   2024   2023   2024   2023
    Net income   $ 59,758     $ 37,516     $ 33,002     $ 172,231     $ 104,998  
    Depreciation and amortization     58,129       48,377       42,695       193,194       166,241  
    Long-lived and other asset impairment     1,203       2,509       3,658       10,681       12,041  
    Unrealized change in fair value of investment in unconsolidated affiliate     1,484       —       (1,023 )     1,484       973  
    Restructuring charges     —       —       221       —       1,775  
    Debt extinguishment loss     —       3,181       —       3,181       —  
    Interest expense     38,238       30,179       27,938       123,610       111,488  
    Transaction-related costs     2,247       9,220       —       13,249        
    Stock-based compensation expense     3,431       3,738       3,283       14,646       12,998  
    Amortization of capitalized implementation costs     750       697       783       3,009       2,624  
    Provision for income taxes     18,604       15,437       9,706       60,149       37,249  
    Adjusted EBITDA (1)     183,844       150,854       120,263       595,434       450,387  
    Less: Maintenance capital expenditures     (21,623 )     (21,190 )     (18,156 )     (87,753 )     (92,168 )
    Less: Other capital expenditures     (7,023 )     (6,945 )     (3,193 )     (20,333 )     (16,164 )
    Less: Cash tax (payment) refund     134       (404 )     (120 )     (2,209 )     (1,311 )
    Less: Cash interest expense     (37,243 )     (29,428 )     (27,310 )     (120,544 )     (107,765 )
    Cash available for dividend (2)   $ 118,089     $ 92,887     $ 71,484     $ 364,595     $ 232,979  
    __________________________________
    (1)  Management believes adjusted EBITDA provides useful information to investors because this non-GAAP measure, when viewed with our GAAP results and accompanying reconciliations, provides a more complete understanding of our performance than GAAP results alone. Management uses this non-GAAP measure as a supplemental measure to review current period operating performance, comparability measure and performance measure for period-to-period comparisons.
    (2)  Management uses cash available for dividend as a supplemental performance measure to compute the coverage ratio of estimated cash flows to planned dividends.
     
    Archrock, Inc.
    Unaudited Supplemental Information
    Reconciliation of Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Cash Available for Dividend
    (in thousands)
                                   
        Three Months Ended   Year Ended
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31,    December 31,    December 31, 
        2024   2024   2023   2024   2023
    Net cash provided by operating activities   $ 124,338     $ 96,900     $ 71,719     $ 429,591     $ 310,187  
    Inventory write-downs     18       (51 )     (164 )     (550 )     (545 )
    Provision for credit losses     (286 )     (90 )     (458 )     (381 )     (224 )
    Gain on sale of assets, net     12,712       2,218       2,181       17,887       10,199  
    Current income tax (benefit) provision     997       (146 )     459       2,059       1,591  
    Cash tax (payment) refund     134       (404 )     (120 )     (2,209 )     (1,311 )
    Amortization of operating lease ROU assets     (1,063 )     (962 )     (831 )     (3,852 )     (3,319 )
    Amortization of contract costs     (6,106 )     (6,046 )     (5,653 )     (23,877 )     (21,289 )
    Deferred revenue recognized in earnings     5,294       4,101       5,421       15,001       16,464  
    Cash restructuring charges     —       —       211       —       1,554  
    Transaction-related costs     2,247       9,220       —       13,249       —  
    Changes in assets and liabilities     8,450       16,282       20,068       25,763       28,004  
    Maintenance capital expenditures     (21,623 )     (21,190 )     (18,156 )     (87,753 )     (92,168 )
    Other capital expenditures     (7,023 )     (6,945 )     (3,193 )     (20,333 )     (16,164 )
    Cash available for dividend (1)   $ 118,089     $ 92,887     $ 71,484     $ 364,595     $ 232,979  
    __________________________________
    (1)  Management uses cash available for dividend as a supplemental performance measure to compute the coverage ratio of estimated cash flows to planned dividends.
     
    Archrock, Inc.
    Unaudited Supplemental Information
    Reconciliation of Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities to Adjusted Free Cash Flow
    and Adjusted Free Cash Flow After Dividend
    (in thousands)
                                   
        Three Months Ended   Year Ended
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31,    December 31,    December 31, 
        2024   2024   2023   2024   2023
    Net cash provided by operating activities   $ 124,338     $ 96,900     $ 71,719     $ 429,591     $ 310,187  
    Net cash used in investing activities (1)     (55,393 )     (931,182 )     (24,334 )     (1,160,063 )     (232,491 )
    Adjusted free cash flow (1) (2)     68,945       (834,282 )     47,385       (730,472 )     77,696  
    Dividends paid to stockholders     (30,690 )     (27,865 )     (24,190 )     (110,374 )     (95,796 )
    Adjusted free cash flow after dividend (1) (2)   $ 38,255     $ (862,147 )   $ 23,195     $ (840,846 )   $ (18,100 )
    __________________________________
    (1)  Reflects $866.2 million cash paid in TOPS Acquisition, net of cash acquired.
    (2)  Management believes adjusted free cash flow and adjusted free cash flow after dividend provide useful information to investors because these non-GAAP measures, when viewed with our GAAP results and accompanying reconciliations, provide a more complete understanding of our performance than GAAP results alone. Management uses these non-GAAP measures as supplemental measures to review current period operating performance, comparability measures and performance measures for period-to-period comparisons.
     
    Archrock, Inc.
    Unaudited Supplemental Information
    Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA and Cash Available for Dividend Guidance
    (in thousands)
                 
        Annual Guidance Range
        2025
        Low   High
    Net income (1)   $ 253,000     $ 293,000  
    Interest expense     153,000       153,000  
    Provision for income taxes     101,000       101,000  
    Depreciation and amortization     219,000       219,000  
    Stock-based compensation expense     15,000       15,000  
    Amortization of capitalized implementation costs     4,000       4,000  
    Transaction-related costs (2)     5,000       5,000  
    Adjusted EBITDA (3)     750,000       790,000  
    Less: Maintenance capital expenditures     (105,000 )     (115,000 )
    Less: Other capital expenditures     (35,000 )     (50,000 )
    Less: Cash tax expense     (7,000 )     (7,000 )
    Less: Cash interest expense     (147,000 )     (147,000 )
    Cash available for dividend (4)(5)   $ 456,000     $ 471,000  
    __________________________________
    (1) 2025 annual guidance for net income does not include the impact of long-lived and other asset impairment because due to its nature, it cannot be accurately forecasted. Long-lived and other asset impairment does not impact Adjusted EBITDA or cash available for dividend, however it is a reconciling item between these measures and net income. Long-lived and other asset impairment for the years 2024 and 2023 was $10.7 million and $12.0 million, respectively.
    (2) Reflects an estimate of expenses to be incurred related to the TOPS acquisition.
    (3) Management believes adjusted EBITDA provides useful information to investors because this non-GAAP measure, when viewed with our GAAP results and accompanying reconciliations, provides a more complete understanding of our performance than GAAP results alone. Management uses this non-GAAP measure as a supplemental measure to review current period operating performance, comparability measure and performance measure for period-to-period comparisons.
    (4) Management uses cash available for dividend as a supplemental performance measure to compute the coverage ratio of estimated cash flows to planned dividends.
    (5) A forward-looking estimate of cash provided by operating activities is not provided because certain items necessary to estimate cash provided by operating activities, including changes in assets and liabilities, are not estimable at this time. Changes in assets and liabilities were $(25.8) million and $(28.0) million for the years 2024 and 2023, respectively.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Sullivan, Padilla, Sheehy Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Boost Wildfire Mitigation and Research

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján
    As Wildfires Have Devasted New Mexico and Western States in Recent Years, Luján’s Bipartisan Bill Would Create Career Pathways to Tackle Growing Wildfire Threats
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) reintroduced the bipartisan Regional Leadership in Wildland Fire Research Act, legislation that would establish regional research centers at institutions of higher education across the country to boost wildfire mitigation and research. Under this legislation, these regional centers would be tasked with developing next-generation fire and vegetation models and technologies to support wildland fire management and address the specific needs of the region they are situated in. Additionally, this bill would establish a National Center Coordination Board to coordinate the work of regional centers and establish Regional Advisory Boards from wildfire management agencies, state and Tribal governments, and other stakeholders to provide input and assistance.
    According to the U.S. Fire Administration, current wildfire models are failing to adequately predict fire behavior under extreme conditions and in more complex environments. These models also struggle to reproduce recent catastrophic wildfires, making them more likely to fail at predicting future wildfires or determining when and where it is safe to conduct prescribed burns. To support effective wildland fire management and prepare firefighters against evolving risks, next-generation fire and vegetation models are needed.
    “Far too many communities in New Mexico and in states across the country know that wildfire season can cost you everything. We must do everything possible to understand the root causes of these wildfires and how local communities can improve wildfire mitigation efforts and save lives and livelihoods,” said Senator Luján. “I’m proud to partner with Senator Sullivan to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation to establish regional research centers tasked with developing next-generation fire and vegetation models and technologies to boost wildfire mitigation. Each of these regional centers will help boost wildland fire management across the country while creating more opportunities for a good-paying job through career training for wildfire research. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this bill signed into law.”
    “Wildfires burn millions of acres in Alaska every year—sometimes as much or more than the combined acreage burned in the rest of the country,” said Senator Sullivan. “To better protect lives, homes and critical infrastructure, we need to invest in research that will produce more accurate models and empower our wildland firefighters to better predict and extinguish fires before they become full-scale natural disasters. I’m glad to reintroduce legislation with Senator Luján to establish wildland fire research centers at our universities with specialized expertise in this space—like UAF in Interior Alaska—and develop more effective firefighting strategies that respond to the unique circumstances of each of our states.”
    “Californians are all too familiar with the devastating toll catastrophic wildfires can take on their communities, burning down homes and businesses, and uprooting families’ livelihoods,” said Senator Padilla. “As the climate crisis makes wildfires more dangerous and harder to predict, expanding our wildland fire research would help us better prepare for wildfires and safely conduct prescribed burns ahead of peak fire season. California universities are already the nation’s leading hub for wildfire research and technology, and this bipartisan effort is a critical step forward in expanding next-generation fire mitigation efforts.”
    “If we’ve learned anything from recent wildfire tragedies across the country, it’s that the threat of catastrophic wildfires isn’t seasonal, nor is it isolated to one region; it’s a year-round, nationwide threat. I’m proud to join this bipartisan effort with my colleagues to invest in better anticipating wildland fires, streamlining our response, and ensuring we are fighting these fires faster and more effectively to keep communities safe,” said Senator Sheehy.
    Each regional research center will:
    Conduct research to improve our understanding of wildland fire, including causes and associated risks for fires, rehabilitation of affected ecosystems, mitigation strategies that improve firefighter safety, and more;
    Develop, maintain, and operate next-generation fire and vegetation models and technologies to support wildland fire management; and,
    Develop a career pathway training program to help carry out wildland fire research.
    The bill is supported by the Federation of American Scientists, Megafire Action, National Association of State Foresters, National Federation of Federal Employees, the Nature Conservancy, the University of New Mexico, and the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
    “The University of New Mexico stands in strong support of this legislation sponsored by Senator Ben Ray Luján and Senator Dan Sullivan, seeking to improve existing models of wildland fire risk and build new, improved forecasts of wildfire susceptibility. UNM, along with our state and federal partners, acknowledges the critical function this legislation will serve as we aim to provide more accurate information to land managers and firefighters who share our interest in protecting our local communities and forested watersheds, preserving rural livelihoods and sustaining agricultural economies in New Mexico for future generations,” said Garnett S. Stokes, President, The University of New Mexico.
    “We spend billions on improving our understanding of disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes – that hasn’t happened yet with megafire. The Regional Leadership in Wildland Fire Research Act recognizes and invests in our research community to produce region specific scientific research and solutions to catastrophic wildfires, allowing innovators and wildland firefighters to use this information to directly leverage technology to predict, detect, and prevent megafire,” said Matt Weiner, CEO of Megafire Action.
    “Extreme weather has pushed wildfires to grow in size and severity, making our current wildfire models inadequate. The Regional Leadership in Wildland Fire Research Act is a significant investment in understanding how wildland fire risks continue to evolve, and establishes a strong foundation that first responders and forest managers can rely on,” said Daniel Correa, Chief Executive Officer of the Federation of American Scientists. “We commend Senator Luján and Senator Sullivan for their leadership to champion and invest in innovative next-generation fire and vegetation models to protect human health, ecosystems, and our communities.”
    “Approximately 80% of Alaska’s population is living in areas at risk of wildland fire. It is vital that we improve our understanding of and develop better ways to prevent and combat wildland fire on a regional basis. The best way to accomplish these goals is through regional research efforts. I’m grateful Senator Sullivan recognizes this and thankful for his leadership and introduction of the Regional Leadership in Wildland Fire Research Act. UAF stands ready to advance wildland fire regional research to help protect lives and property in Alaska. I also want to thank Senator Luján for partnering with Senator Sullivan on this important legislation,” said Dr. Dan White, Chancellor of the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF).
    “NFFE is pleased to endorse the Regional Leadership in Wildland Fire Research Act, which will provide critical resources for research and technology that will help protect American communities from the wildfire crisis,” said NFFE National President Randy Erwin. “If we are to properly address devastating megafires and improve wildland firefighter safety, we must also develop the next generation of experts to support wildland fire research. Thank you to Senator Luján for his leadership on this issue.”
    Full text of the bill is available here. A one-pager of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Samstag explores the chaos of communication to open its 2025 exhibition program

    Source: University of South Australia

    25 February 2025

    Chunxiao Qu, An artist doesn’t need a label (Biannual Façade Commission), 2004, Borchardt Library, La Trobe University, Bundoora. La Trobe Art Institute, La Trobe University. Photograph by AJ Taylor. Image courtesy the artist.

    The absurdity of contemporary communication will be on display at the University of South Australia’s Samstag Museum of Art, delivering an insightful and humorous take on how humans are easily misunderstood between the translation of what is said and what is heard.

    Direct, Directed, Directly will kickstart Samstag’s 2025 program for the Parnati season (Parnati meaning autumn in Kaurna culture) from Friday 28 February, coinciding with the launch of the Adelaide Festival.

    Installed across the two levels of the art museum, the exhibition is one of many in Samstag’s annually curated program of innovative and experimental contemporary art from SA and around the world.

    Direct, Directed, Directly explores communication – speaking directly, speaking indirectly, looking for meaning (and not finding it), double meanings and breakdowns.

    Featuring performances, moving images and sounds created by national and international artists, the installation dives into the difficulties between what is said and what is heard. This group exhibition suggests that amid frustration, futility and misunderstanding, there is catharsis to be found in the humour and absurdity of our attempts to connect.

    Director of Samstag Museum of Art Erica Green says the year ahead for Samstag will be a celebration of innovative and thought-provoking contemporary arts practice.

    “Delving into a diverse range of themes – from the absurdity of contemporary communication to the formal qualities of light and movement – our 2025 program will deliver a year of surprising and insightful visual art experiences for everyone to enjoy,” she says.

    Parnati season
    Friday 28 February to Friday 30 May
    2025 Adelaide Festival
    Direct, Directed, Directly
    Artists: Richard Bell (Kamilaroi, Kooma, Jiman and Gurang Gurang), Madison Bycroft, Kuba Dorabialski, Danielle Freakley, Christine Sun Kim and Thomas Mader, Monte Masi and Chunxiao Qu.

    Kudlila season
    20 June to 26 September
    Frank Bauer
    Samstag’s Kudlila Season, Kudlila meaning winter in Kaurna culture, will begin in June with works by Adelaide-based designer, jeweller, silversmith and artist Frank Bauer. Over a career spanning 45 years, the German-born artist’s cross-disciplinary practice is hallmarked by exceptional quality and a breadth of skill. His process begins with the hand – first drawing then progressing to handling, touching, making in his workshop – and results in works that bear human nature first and foremost in mind. A former lecturer at SACAE, an antecedent of the University of South Australia, who has exhibited in Europe and Australia, his work is held in major museums around the world.

    Caption Frank Bauer, Flag pole, detail, 2024. Photograph by Sia Duff.

    North Terrace: worlds in relief
    Artists:     Andrew Burrell, Allison Chhorn, Louise Haselton, the ArcHitects (Gary Carsley and Renjie Teoh), with poetry by Natalie Harkin (Narungga).
    As the city’s cultural boulevard, North Terrace is emblematic of Tarntanya/Adelaide’s founding on Kaurna Yarta and the conduct of colonial relations today. In this suite of new works, curated by guest curator Jasmin Stephens, artists from Adelaide, NSW and Singapore respond to the city’s environs and the world views that they convey. The exhibition begins with Narungga poet/activist Natalie Harkin’s text Cultural Precinct, first published in 2016. The artists cast a critical eye over North Terrace’s familiar and lesser-known aspects. Invoking histories of sculpture, moving image and design, the exhibition draws on the collection of UniSA’s Architecture Museum.

    Wirltuti Season
    16 October to 5 December
    Sean Cordeiro and Claire Healy: Psychopomp
     NSW-based artistic duo and Samstag scholars (2006) Sean Cordeiro and Claire Healy will premiere their vibrant moving image work Psychopomp alongside a selection of past works for Samstag’s Wirltuti season in 2025 (Wirltuti meaning ‘spring’ in Kaurna culture). Psychopomp is the outcome of the 2024 UniSA Jeffrey Smart Commission. This vibrant moving image work explores the porous relationship between science and mysticism, and rocket technology and spirituality. From NASA’s Apollo, Mercury and Gemini mission names, which are directly inspired by the gods of antiquity, to pioneer rocket scientist Jack Parson’s conversion to Aleister Crowley’s Church of Thelema, Cordeiro and Healy identify a strong spiritual thread in the history of rocket and space exploration. Melding the significant historical text, the poem Hymn to Pan, with footage of farming fertility festivals in Thailand and Laos, Psychopomp explores the expressive potential of motion, technology and pagan rituals.

    5 STEPS FOR BETTER LIVING, MAXIMUM GAINS AND MANIFESTING YOUR MOST OPTIMISED SELF!!
    Adelaide Film Festival Expand Moving Image Commission
    Artists: Nisa East, Anna Lindner and Yasemin Sabuncu.
    5 STEPS… originates from the 2023 AFF EXPAND Lab, a development initiative bringing together filmmakers, artists and screen-based practitioners to develop collaborative approaches to making moving images. 5 STEPS… offers a satirical, critical reflection on the trends of commodified, masculine ‘wellness’ in times of existential crisis. The multi-channel installation draws on experimental performance, surrealism and dark humour to examine the way wellness subcultures can be used to promote self-centred ideas of freedom and success. A series of compelling character studies of the ‘alpha’ personalities and fitness evangelists that populate the manosphere, this work examines the psychological mechanisms of rejecting failure, vulnerability and introspection, and the pursuit of infinite growth at any cost.

    Nisa East, Anna Lindner and Yasemin Sabuncu, 5 STEPS FOR BETTER LIVING, MAXIMUM GAINS AND MANIFESTING YOUR MOST OPTIMISED SELF!!, production still 2024. Still courtesy the artists.

    Ryan Presley
    In 2024, UniSA commissioned Marri Ngarr artist Ryan Presley to paint a portrait of its Chancellor, The Honourable John Hill. To accompany the unveiling of this commission, Samstag will display a selection of works by Presley. Presley’s figurative paintings weave personal and cultural motifs with art historical references. Raised a Catholic, his art practice explores religious iconography, often featuring intricate patterning and human figures set against seductive and lyrical dreamscapes composed of clouds, sand dunes and industrial motifs.

    Samstag Museum of Art is located at UniSA’s City West campus, an easy 15-minute walk from the city centre. Free city trams operate daily. Samstag is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm. Visit the website for more information.

    …………………………………………………………………………………

    Media contact: Erica Green, Director Samstag Museum of Art M: +438 821 239 E: erica.green@unisa.edu.au

    MIL OSI News –