Source: United States Small Business Administration
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration, today announced the opening of its virtual Business Recovery Center to meet the needs of businesses and individuals who were affected by affected by the Watch Fire that occurred July 10-17.
“When disasters strike, our virtual Business Recovery Centers are key to helping business owners and residents get back on their feet,” Sánchez said. “At these virtual centers, people can connect directly with our specialists to apply for disaster loans and learn about the full range of programs available to rebuild and move forward in their recovery journey.”
SBA has established a virtual Business Recovery Center to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each individual complete their electronic loan application.
Virtual Business Recovery Center Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Pacific Time FOCWAssistance@sba.gov (916) 932-8956 Opens at 8 a.m. Friday, Oct. 18
Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.
For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage.
“SBA’s disaster loan program offers an important advantage–the chance to incorporate measures that can reduce the risk of future damage,” Sánchez continued. “Work with contractors and mitigation professionals to strengthen your property and take advantage of the opportunity to request additional SBA disaster loan funds for these proactive improvements.”
SBA disaster loans up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles.
Interest rates can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, 3.25 percent for private nonprofit organizations and 2.688 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.
Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.
On October 15, 2024, it was announced that funds for the Disaster Loan Program have been fully expended. While no new loans can be issued until Congress appropriates additional funding, we remain committed to supporting disaster survivors. Applications will continue to be accepted and processed to ensure individuals and businesses are prepared to receive assistance once funding becomes available.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their loan applications promptly for review in anticipation of future funding.
Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659‑2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The deadline to apply for property damage is Dec. 3, 2024. The deadline to apply for economic injury is July 7, 2025.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit http://www.sba.gov.
Strong cooperation between Germany and China is vital for maintaining global economic stability, particularly amid rising geopolitical tensions, according to Christian Scharpf, mayor of Ingolstadt in southern Bavaria.
Scharpf made the remarks during an interview with Xinhua at the “10th Bavarian China Day” here on Wednesday. The event, organized by the municipal government and the Chinese Consulate General in Munich, drew more than 120 officials and business leaders from both countries, underscoring the promising prospects for bilateral collaboration.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Germany, which has delivered significant progress in trade and economic cooperation, said Lin Kai, acting consul general at the Chinese consulate in Munich.
Highlighting the deep ties between China and the German state of Bavaria, Lin said that around 500 Chinese companies have established operations in Bavaria. Meanwhile, over 600 Bavarian enterprises, including Siemens, Audi, BMW, and Allianz, have set up branches and made investments in China.
Tobias Gotthardt, state secretary at the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, said that China has been Bavaria’s most important trading partner for years, with bilateral trade volume reaching 53 billion euros (57.5 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023. Bavaria’s exports to China have remained strong, while imports from China have nearly doubled over the past three years, he added.
Gotthardt stressed the importance of foreign trade for the state and Germany as a whole, noting that the Chinese market is indispensable.
“Cooperation in areas such as mechanical engineering, automotive, and energy and environmental technologies has been built on a foundation of trust over many years,” said Gotthardt.
He expressed optimism that this collaboration will continue to drive economic growth and address global challenges like sustainability. “We must remain focused on cooperation in areas where it is possible.”
Yu Guangsheng, deputy head of the investment promotion at China’s Ministry of Commerce, mentioned that German investments in China reached an all-time high in the first half of this year, while Chinese investments in Germany surged by 42 percent year-on-year in 2023. “Companies from both countries are demonstrating their confidence in bilateral economic relations and partnerships through tangible investments,” he said.
During the event, Ingolstadt and Changchun, a major city in northeast China, announced the establishment of a strategic economic partnership.
Scharpf underscored the longstanding relationship between Ingolstadt, home to Audi’s headquarters, and Changchun, where China’s automotive giant FAW Group is based. He noted that economic and cultural exchanges between the two cities have been active for years, and expressed hope for even deeper cooperation in the future.
The mayor voiced his belief that the two countries still have vast potential for collaboration, particularly in areas like climate protection, sustainable development, as well as education and cultural exchanges.
Regarding the European Union’s (EU) recent tariff policy on electric vehicles from China, experts at the event criticized protectionism, and advocated for the promotion of free trade and mutual development between the EU and China.
Gotthardt warned that the tariffs could escalate trade conflicts and undermine the principles of free trade. “A tariff-free alternative would undoubtedly be a better solution for all parties involved,” he said.
Georg Rosenfeld, an economic official from Ingolstadt, echoed this sentiment, saying that protectionism and trade barriers are detrimental. He called for open and fair competition, as well as mutual trust which is essential to fostering such competition. (1 euro = 1.08 U.S. dollar)
Headline: Golden Highway a critical path to net zero ambitions
Published: 18 October 2024
Released by: Minister for Energy and Climate Change, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads
Detailed maps are now available to outline the 19 highway upgrades that will pave the way from the Port of Newcastle to the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).
‘Port to REZ’ upgrades will be funded by the Australian and NSW governments, with $128.5 million announced towards 320 kilometres of road upgrades and ancillary works.
The upgrades will enable the transportation of wind turbines and other crucial components needed for wind and solar farms and the transmission network that connects them.
The Energy Corporation of NSW (EnergyCo) and Transport for NSW are working together to deliver the improved roads, ensuring they can comfortably accommodate transportation of materials required, whilst also improving road safety for local communities.
The 19 specific locations identified as pinch points are on the Golden Highway between the Port of Newcastle and Elong Elong, as well as a section of the Castlereagh Highway.
Quotes attributable to NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:
“Transport for NSW is supporting the eight councils along the route with resources and information to help guide them in the rollout of the REZ in preparation for new wind and solar power operations.
“We are working closely with councils who are the local road authorities in their respective areas, responsible for the management of local road networks, including road safety, road funding, road maintenance and heavy vehicle access.
“Additionally, Transport for NSW and EnergyCo are currently carrying out a review of roads across the designated renewable energy corridors to determine if any roads should be reclassified as state roads.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe:
“As the Renewable Energy Zones progress, we’re working to ensure that local infrastructure such as roads, are in a good enough state to accommodate extra demands.
“This is part of our commitment to the long-term prosperity of communities hosting Renewable Energy Zones as we continue the transformation of our state’s energy system.”
Headline: Reducing workload in hundreds more schools
Published: 18 October 2024
Released by: Minister for Education and Early Learning
A trial program aimed at slashing teacher workload and helping educators focus on classroom learning has been extended for two years as the Minns Labor Government rolls out the next tranche to more than 700 schools.
The School Administration Reduction Program is part of the Minns Labor Government’s work to address teacher burnout and staff shortages caused by unsustainable workloads.
The trial workload reduction program works to permanently equip schools with new systems and more efficient ways of dealing with the many additional tasks that schools, and in particular teachers, do every day above and beyond teaching their students.
Through the program hundreds of additional School Administrative and Support Staff (SASS) are deployed to public schools to improve systems and relieve teachers of burdensome administrative work that built up under the Liberals and Nationals.
Schools who have participated in the program have reported a substantial reduction in the workload of teachers and principals, as well as better training for staff.
Examples of improvements made through the program include:
The Ponds School – improved the planning and coordinating of additional support, resources and programs offered by the school. Previously this work was performed by teachers.
Tacking Point Public School – better utilised technology to streamline many administrative tasks, taking them off the plate of teachers.
Medowie Public School – developed and implemented an efficient communication strategy to reduce teacher workload and improve correspondence with parents and carers.
Wallerawang Public School – enhanced staff induction processes, developing a new handbook on key school procedures including first aid, evacuation, and other WHS protocols.
James Fallon High School – made improvements including digitising historical records, strengthening healthcare plan systems and managing risk assessments.
The program, which has been in 419 schools across 2023–24, will now move to more than 700 schools for 2025–26. By the end of 2026, 1,000 schools—or nearly half of NSW public schools—will have benefited from the School Administration Reduction Program.
This program is part of a wider effort to reduce workload pressure in schools, which includes:
An extensive review of administrative tasks done in schools. Some 70 per cent of the tasks identified are directly linked to departmental policies, highlighting the importance of streamlining these documents and teachers’ ability to access them.
A line-by-line audit of teachers’ administrative and bureaucratic tasks was also completed earlier this year, as part of a broader initiative to reduce teacher workload by 5 hours a week. The review identified around 100 tasks which cause high or very high bureaucratic workload, around 60 per cent of which directly impacts teachers. The department is using the findings to simplify tasks and further reduce teacher workload.
This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing work to address the teacher shortage and rebuild public education in NSW. Under the former government teachers were leaving the profession in record numbers, with teacher vacancies rising to a record high of 3,000.
Our work to rebuild public education includes delivering teachers the biggest pay rise in a generation and reducing the number of teacher vacancies to their lowest in three years, a 24 per cent drop from last year to this year.
Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:
“We need our teachers focusing on what matters most – providing high quality teaching for our students in the classroom.
“This program is reducing teacher workload and streamlining school systems on a long-term basis, allowing educators to focus on the important job of teaching.
“We’ll closely study the learnings from the School Administration Reduction Program to inform our broader effort to cut workload across our system.”
Michelle Said, Principal, South Creek School, said:
“The program has been hugely beneficial to our School for Specific Purpose. We have been able to achieve so much in our school and community due to our extra SASS taking the load off teachers and executive.”
Megan Manson, Principal, Canobolas Public School, said:
“The program has made a real difference for our classrooms and the running of our office. We have used our SASS staff member to assist with administration on digital platforms, coordinating projects and excursions, covering books and other classroom duties, and running a reading fluency program.
“All of these tasks have had a positive impact on our staff and students.”
We write to you as a matter of utmost urgency, with a rapidly deteriorating situation in the Middle East.
The policy of appeasement towards Israel over the past year by western countries has failed miserably. Israel has expanded its attacks and has abandoned all pretence of any sort of negotiated settlements.
Our government is holding on desperately to a hopelessly weak and indefensible policy towards the Middle East. I have no doubt you know this.
Israel is running riot with endless bombing and killing as it spreads murder and mayhem. The majority of victims in Gaza, Lebanon and the West Bank are women and children – tens of thousands of children.
You and I know this would never be tolerated if the victims were European.
The situation has now become even more desperate and deadly with
Israel has refused to allow any food or supplies to be delivered since the beginning of this month to northern Gaza. It has again unleased its firepower with absolute impunity on refugee camps and other civilian areas with the openly stated aim of ethnic cleansing of the majority of the 400,000 Palestinians who remain there.
Israel’s delivery of its threat to turn Lebanon into another Gaza, with attacks throughout the country, including Christian areas.
Israel’s endless attempts to widen the war across the region into Iran with repeated violations of its sovereignty until Iran responded – though without a single Israeli casualty.
Israel’s blatant attacks on UNIFIL positions and demands that UNIFIL withdraw from its mission to allow Israeli military advances further into Lebanon to achieve regime change for a Lebanese government subservient to its interests.
Despite all that has happened over 12 months you have issued only platitudes “calling an all sides to exercise restraint” and condemnation of all parties Israel decides that is its enemies.
You have failed to condemn Israel for anything it has ever done against the Palestinian victims of its settler colonial project and yet you have condemned every act of Palestinian resistance to Israel’s illegal occupation, genocide, and ethnic cleansing.
Other countries, the UK, France, Spain, Norway, and Ireland have spoken out and taken, albeit token, action to remind Israel that it is operating outside international law.
History will condemn your 12 months of complicit silence but action now can make a real difference and saves tens of thousands of innocent lives. A minimum list of actions includes:
Condemn Israeli action against the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank as war crimes
Join South Africa’s case of proving genocide against Israel at the International Court of Justice
Implement the recent obligations specified by the ICJ under the Geneva Conventions towards ending Israeli occupation of the Palestinian Occupied Territories.
Identify and ban imports of products from illegal Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories
End procurement of goods and services from companies identified by the United Nations as complicit in building and maintaining illegal Israeli settlements
Direct the Superfund, ACC and Kiwisaver providers to divest from companies on the UN list
Investigate the export of Rakon Industry components which are incorporated into US weapons which almost inevitably end in the industrial-scale killing of Palestinians.
Immediately close the Israeli embassy as Israel’s propaganda and lobby outlet in New Zealand
Clearly and publicly state that NZDF personnel in the Middle East will neither participate in nor provide assistance to either US or Israel attacks or preparations for attacks on Iran
Publicly join other countries in condemning the Israeli military attack on UNIFIL and demand of Israel that it will cease to demand UNIFIL withdraw from any of its positions in Lebanon
Reiterate New Zealand’s participation in UNTSO and demand that Israel allow UNTSO continue its work unmolested
Demand Israel revoke its declaration that the UN Secretary General is persona non grata in Israel.
NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Richard Wagstaff is calling on the Government to show leadership following the announced closure of the Smithfield meat works, and the continued loss of regional manufacturing jobs, by putting in place policies to support workers with retraining and income insurance.
“The loss of 600 jobs will be devastating for Timaru and the communities of South Canterbury, especially during a cost-of-living crisis and an economic downturn,” said Wagstaff.
“It is unacceptable that there has been absolutely no help for the affected workers even though the Government has known since last month that this was likely to happen. We have already seen this lack of support in other situations, such as Winstone pulp and paper.
“The trend we are seeing in terms of the loss of manufacturing jobs in regional communities is going to have a long-term negative impact on regional economic development and on the health and wellbeing of whānau and communities.
“Every forecast tells us that unemployment is going to rise, but nothing is being done at the government level to address it. What we are seeing is a total failure of leadership.
“The Government is happy to underwrite private building construction but will do nothing to underwrite workers incomes.
“We need to learn the lessons of the past and not throw workers on the scrap heap when the manufacturing sector is under pressure. Government has a responsibility to support workers with retraining and pathways into employment.
“It is also becoming clearer by the day just how foolish it was to scrap plans for an income insurance scheme that would have helped tide workers over until they found new work,” said Wagstaff.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Passengers board a high-speed electrical multiple unit (EMU) train on a platform of Padalarang Station along the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) in Padalarang, Indonesia, Oct. 17, 2024. The Jakarta-Bandung HSR, celebrating its first anniversary on Thursday, has transported 5.79 million passengers, according to PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China (KCIC), a joint venture between Indonesian and Chinese enterprises that built and operates the railway. Since its commercial launch in October 2023, the HSR has completed over 15,826 train trips, covering more than 2.57 million kilometers. The number of daily train services has increased from 14 at the start of operations to 52, with passenger seats rising from 8,400 to over 31,000. The highest daily ridership reached 24,132, according to KCIC statistics. [Photo/Xinhua]
JAKARTA, Oct. 17 — The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR), celebrating its first anniversary on Thursday, has transported 5.79 million passengers, according to PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China (KCIC), a joint venture between Indonesian and Chinese enterprises that built and operates the railway.
Since its commercial launch in October 2023, the HSR has completed over 15,826 train trips, covering more than 2.57 million kilometers. The number of daily train services has increased from 14 at the start of operations to 52, with passenger seats rising from 8,400 to over 31,000. The highest daily ridership reached 24,132, according to KCIC statistics.
The HSR is fully powered by electricity, significantly reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The KCIC said that the green energy initiative saves Indonesia around 3.2 trillion rupiahs (208 million U.S. dollars) annually in fuel costs.
In addition, Indonesian government data indicated that between 2019 and 2023, the project contributed 86.5 trillion rupiahs (about 5.62 billion dollars) to the GDP of Jakarta and West Java.
With a design speed of 350 km per hour, the 142.3-km high-speed railway has cut travel time between Jakarta and Bandung from over three hours to just 46 minutes.
Indonesian and Chinese staff members of China Railway Electrification Bureau Group Co., Ltd., one of the companies which take part in the construction of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR), pose for photos with a high-speed electrical multiple unit (EMU) train on a platform of Halim Station along the railway in Jakarta, Indonesia, Oct. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 12, 2024 shows a high-speed electrical multiple unit (EMU) train running along the line of Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) near Karawang Station, West Java, Indonesia. [Photo/Xinhua]Passengers walk on a platform of Halim Station along the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) in Jakarta, Indonesia, Oct. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]Train cabin crew members walk in a running high-speed electrical multiple unit (EMU) train of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) in Indonesia, Oct. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]A passenger takes selfie photos with a high-speed electrical multiple unit (EMU) train on a platform of Padalarang Station along the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) in Padalarang, Indonesia, Oct. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]A high-speed electrical multiple unit (EMU) train enters the Padalarang Station along the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) in Padalarang, Indonesia, Oct. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]Passengers walk on a platform of Padalarang Station along the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) in Padalarang, Indonesia, Oct. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 13, 2024 shows high-speed electrical multiple unit (EMU) trains stopping at a platform of Tegalluar Summarecon Station along the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) in Bandung, Indonesia. [Photo/Xinhua]
Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz visits Bosch Hydrogen Powertrain Systems (Chongqing) Co., Ltd. in Jiulongpo District of southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality, April 14, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Thursday expressed his opposition to tariff conflicts while delivering a statement to the press in Brussels.
Scholz stressed that such conflicts lead nowhere and emphasized the importance of using the World Trade Organization to resolve trade disputes.
Speaking on the sidelines of the European Council meeting, Scholz reiterated his stance against escalating tariff tensions with China, a point he also made in a speech to the Bundestag, Germany’s lower house of parliament, the previous day.
He noted that major German carmakers, along with 17 EU countries, oppose the imposition of tariffs on China.
While highlighting the need for Germany to boost its competitiveness in the electric vehicle market, Scholz emphasized that this should not be achieved through tariffs.
Displaced Palestinians are seen at a temporary shelter in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Oct. 15, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
At least 28 Palestinians were killed and 160 others injured in an Israeli airstrike on a school housing displaced people in the Jabalia camp of northern Gaza Strip on Thursday, the Hamas-run Gaza government media office said.
Fires broke out in the tents of the displaced individuals in the schoolyard because of the bombing. Some casualties were transferred to a hospital in northern Gaza, while ambulance teams were unable to reach the people in the targeted school, according to the Palestinian official news agency WAFA.
Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that the Israeli Air Force conducted a “precise strike” on an operational meeting point for Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants in northern Gaza.
The militants were operating inside a command and control center embedded inside a compound that previously served as the Abu Hassan School, the IDF said.
Dozens of militants were present in the compound at the time of the strike, said the IDF, which also published 12 names of those present.
The militants were involved in rocket attacks into the Israeli territory, as well as in planning and committing attacks against IDF troops and Israel in recent days, it claimed.
Mahmoud Basal, spokesman for the Civil Defense in Gaza, said Thursday in a statement that the Israeli army is carrying out a “systematic destruction” of the Jabalia camp, using all means, including explosive robots, to empty the camp.
The Israeli army refuses to allow ambulances to reach the area and transport the casualties, while bodies of victims are still under the rubble, Basal said.
Meanwhile, Gaza-based health authorities warned Thursday in a press statement that newborns in the nursery of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza are facing a humanitarian disaster due to a fuel crisis and a shortage of medicines and medical supplies amid ongoing Israeli siege of northern Gaza.
Also on Thursday, Palestinian paramedics said they recovered the bodies of five people killed in two separate attacks on a house and a gathering north of Gaza City.
Palestinian sources also reported at least 17 deaths on Thursday in other places across Gaza. According to the sources, three people were killed and dozens of others wounded in an Israeli airstrike on a tent housing displaced people in the city of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza.
Medics told Xinhua that eight people were killed and dozens of others injured in an Israeli bombing on a house belonging to the al-Helou family west of Gaza City, while the Civil Defense Authority in Gaza said Thursday in a press statement that its team recovered the bodies of six Palestinians killed in a bombing in the town of al-Fakhari, east of Khan Younis, in southern Gaza.
Local sources and eyewitnesses told Xinhua that Israeli aircraft and artillery intensively bombed the outskirts of the Zeitoun neighborhood in southern Gaza and the Sabra neighborhood in the west, amidst gunfire from Israeli tanks.
According to the IDF, its troops have killed militants and destroyed infrastructure in the area of Rafah in southern Gaza over the past day, dismantled a “terrorist cell” and located a large number of weapons in northern Gaza, and dismantled military infrastructure and killed militants in central Gaza, including in the outskirts of Nuseirat and Al Bureij refugee camps. The IDF did not specify the number of the casualties.
Israel has been conducting a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and about 250 taken hostage.
The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 42,438, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Thursday.
India has made 26 extradition requests to Canada, including requests for individuals wanted for crimes committed in India, but no action has been taken by the Canadian government yet, said Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Randhir Jaiswal on Wednesday.
The statement came in the wake of the recent diplomatic row between the two countries, following which India called back all its diplomats, including its high commissioner, from Canada.
India also expelled six Canadian diplomats posted in New Delhi, asking them to leave the country by or before Saturday.
The diplomatic row escalated after Canada accused Indian diplomats of being involved in the murder of a Sikh separatist leader within Canada last year. Canada called for an investigation into the role of the Indian diplomats after revoking their diplomatic immunity.
Indonesia on Thursday grandly celebrated the first anniversary of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR), a landmark project as Southeast Asia’s first high-speed rail.
With a speed of 350 km per hour, the 142.3 km high-speed rail, built in cooperation with China under the Belt and Road Initiative, has slashed the journey time between Jakarta and Bandung from over three hours to just about 40 minutes. Over the past year, the rail, affectionately called “Whoosh” for its remarkable speed, has inspired profound changes in the towns and cities along the line.
As Indonesia marches toward its Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision, “Whoosh” has not only made rail transport more efficient and comfortable, but also plays a pivotal role in boosting the local economy, tourism, human resources and people’s livelihood.
This photo taken on April 17, 2024 shows a high-speed electrical multiple unit (EMU) train of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway on the platform of Halim Station in Jakarta, Indonesia. [Photo/Xinhua]
Connecting cities
In October 2023 when the railway started operation, Indonesian President Joko Widodo revealed the name of the HSR, “Whoosh,” inspired by the train’s sound and meaning fast, efficient and reliable in the Indonesian language.
With seamless connectivity with other transport networks such as light rail transit and shuttle buses, the sleek red and silver bullet train has made traveling between Indonesia’s key cities an efficient and enjoyable experience.
According to PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China (PT KCIC), a joint venture consortium between Indonesian and Chinese firms that constructs and runs the HSR, Whoosh has transported 5.79 million passengers by Oct. 17 this year, including 300,000 international tourists from 159 countries.
An increasing number of Indonesians find this rapid transit option indispensable, as they can now spend more time with family on weekends and travel to economic hubs with ease.
“Previously, I took a conventional train on Saturday morning and returned to Jakarta on Sunday evening,” said Halim Ali Sabhana, a 27-year-old commuter.
“Now, since it only takes 40 minutes by ‘Whoosh,’ I can go back to Bandung on Friday afternoon after work, and arrive at my Jakarta office on Monday morning,” he told Xinhua.
Raden Agung Wijaya, a 43-year-old business owner, said the railway has made his frequent business trips between Jakarta and Bandung much easier.
“Instead of driving my car, I’m taking Whoosh to Bandung. Less time, and less tiring. I can meet clients on time,” he said.
Over the past year, the number of trains per day increased from 14 initially to 52 in the peak period as the railway quickly gained popularity, with the number of passenger seats increasing from over 8,400 to more than 31,000, and the maximum number of passengers per day at 24,132.
Catalyzing growth
The operation of the high-speed train has created more economic opportunities, with new residential areas, markets, and shopping centers emerging around the bustling train stations.
Lion dance performers welcome passengers on the platform at the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway’s Padalarang Station in Padalarang, Indonesia, Feb. 10, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
Small businesses are thriving in the burgeoning community-based economic ecosystem surrounding the train stations, said Bey Machmudin, acting governor of West Java. Local micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) have filled various kiosks at Padalarang station and Tegalluar station, Machmudin said.
“West Java residents welcome the Whoosh train and it must be utilized as best as possible to improve the community’s economy. (Looking) ahead, we hope the MSMEs can also work with tourism associations to provide tour packages in Bandung,” he said.
At Tegalluar station in the suburbs of Bandung, Tati Heryati, a Sundanese pancake seller, saw a five-fold increase in his daily income.
“Previously, I could only earn 100,000 rupiahs (6.42 U.S. dollars) per day. But since Whoosh started running, I can now earn 500,000 rupiahs (32.09 dollars) a day,” Heryati told Xinhua.
“Many of my neighbors have also become vendors here, selling everything from food and beverages to merchandise, because they can now earn more,” he said.
The ease of travel has also drawn more visitors to destinations in West Java, ranging from Bandung’s bustling city center to previously hard-to-reach areas.
Al Jabbar Mosque, a grand mosque located 5 km away from Tegalluar station, sees crowds of visitors from Jakarta on Sunday afternoon after the Muslim prayer time.
Hendrawan Prasetyo, 38, said he came from Jakarta for a vacation with his wife and two children via Whoosh. “I was amazed by the speed. Whoosh has made vacations even more practical. Now we can visit tourist destinations outside the city center of Bandung,” he told Xinhua.
Arief Syaifudin, head of the Bandung Culture and Tourism Agency, said Whoosh has greatly boosted tourism in West Java. Popular spots like Al Jabbar Mosque and Bandung’s renowned culinary scene have seen a rising influx of visitors. During the holiday season in April, hotel occupancy rates have reached 86.8 percent.
Tourists can hop off the train to explore the surrounding areas of Bandung, Machmudin said, adding that the provincial government is collaborating with small and medium-sized enterprises near Padalarang and Tegalluar stations to introduce more Bandung culinary and tourism packages to visitors.
Cultivating talent
The railway has also boosted talent cultivation with a collaborative platform established to speed up local technological progress. Over the past year, a total of 45,000 local technicians have received training in high-speed rail technology, including engineering, welding, and machinery, with support from the Chinese side.
A Chinese high-speed train driver (C) instructs his Indonesian counterpart (R) inside the driving cab of a high-speed train in Bandung, Indonesia, Sept. 12, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
Wawan Setiawan, a student at the Indonesian Railway Polytechnic and one of the first Indonesian high-speed rail drivers, said that becoming a high-speed rail driver fills him with immense pride, serving as a significant source of fulfillment in his life.
Currently, the Chinese operation team is training 600 Indonesians for 23 positions essential to the long-term maintenance and operation of the HSR.
Local drivers have already begun operating the trains at a speed of up to 350 km per hour, marking a significant milestone in building a skilled workforce capable of supporting Indonesia’s growing high-speed rail sector.
“Indonesia has greatly benefited from the Belt and Road Initiative, particularly through transformative infrastructure projects like the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway,” said Veronika Saraswati, director of the Saraswati Institute and a China expert.
“This cooperation has allowed Indonesia to modernize its transportation systems, realizing long-held ambitions of building high-speed rails,” she said.
“The positive results of infrastructure and trade cooperation between the two countries have made the Indonesian government aware that China is an opportunity,” she added.
Unions Wellington’s committee last night agreed to appoint a workers’ observer to council meetings.
Keep The Airport Ours campaign lead Sabina Rizos-Shaw said “recent issues at Wellington City Council have been caused by undemocratic manoeuvres to sell public assets and reduce public services. The solutions to problems at the council -real or perceived – is more democracy, not less. The idea that government-appointed commissioners would improve outcomes is completely baseless. The council needs more democratic input, not less.”
To this end, Unions Wellington offers a workers observer, an elected union delegate from one of Wellington’s major employers, for public council meetings to ensure that working people can contribute to the city’s future. “We are confident that the council now understands the importance of public assets and are confident that the changes in direction for the council will put people first.”
“Advice from council staff has at times been unclear, inconsistent and loaded towards privatisation. We are hopeful that this is now resolved and councillors will have the information they need to make fully informed decisions.”
It is not clear that cuts are necessary. However, if there is a genuine need for cuts, Unions Wellington proposes an immediate reduction in salaries for executive staff.
It is well documented that the executive leaders at Wellington City Council have struggled to enact council plans in a way that respects the aspirations of Wellingtonians, or deliver good fiscal outcomes. The Council’s chief executive is currently paid over half a million dollars a year, and ELT salaries are upwards of $350,000. This is compared to the mayoral salary of $190,000.
“If cuts need to be made, in the first place this should occur at the level of exorbitant executive salaries. Rather than cutting services or selling assets, reducing senior pay to that of the Mayor would free up millions of dollars a year that could be used to protect public interests.”
Multiple sources told China Daily that Tesla Inc has yet to receive regulatory approval from Chinese authorities to launch its full self-driving or FSD functions in the country and is seeking permission to gather some data on its own to train its autonomous driving system.
The United States vehicle maker announced last month on the social platform that it expected to launch FSD in China in the first quarter of 2025. “The rollout progress is not expected to mirror the speed as the company itself planned,” several sources close to the matter confirmed.
They said that the proposal is still pending from various Chinese authorities to evaluate in an all-round way, including technology, data safety, laws and regulations, as well as other relevant standards.
Though no official green light has been given as of now, the Chinese government will partially support its trial test of FSD functions in some cities, the sources day.
As data security has been a key obstacle to a full rollout of FSD, two people close to Tesla said that Musk has proposed directly accessing some non-sensitive video data to train its autonomous driving system.
He also proactively suggested that a dedicated government team could thoroughly assess this video data to ensure its security, one of the sources said.
Other people acknowledged the matter and said that Chinese authorities didn’t give an immediate response to this request given the current rules and regulations.
According to the regulations of the Ministry of Natural Resources, automakers and developers of autonomous driving software should either apply for mapping licenses or ask a licensed company to collect, store, transform and process geographic data.
Currently, foreign firms lack the qualifications to independently gather geographic data and must partner with local entities.
To comply, Tesla has stored all data collected by its Chinese vehicles in China since 2021 and is cooperating with local companies to collect data to support its driver assistant system.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
2024 final register for Rural Representative Election published today 2024 final register for Rural Representative Election published today *********************************************************************
The 2024 final register for the Rural Representative Election (RRE) was published today (October 18). The final register contains the particulars of the registered electors of Existing Villages, Indigenous Villages, Composite Indigenous Villages and Market Towns. Registered electors may log into the RRE Voter Registration Information Enquiry System through the RRE website (www.had.gov.hk/rre) for perusal of their own registration particulars. They may also call the RRE hotline at 2152 1521 during ordinary business hours for enquiries about the relevant information. A full copy of the final register is placed at the office of the Electoral Registration Officer located at the Home Affairs Department (HAD), 30/F, Southorn Centre, 130 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai. Copies of the specific divisions of the final register for Rural Areas that belong to the Rural Committees concerned are placed at the offices of the Assistant Electoral Registration Officers in the respective New Territories District Offices (NTDOs), the office addresses of which are set out on the RRE website. Pursuant to section 30 of the Electoral Affairs Commission (Registration of Electors) (Rural Representative Election) Regulation (Cap. 541K), specified persons including members of the press (meaning persons who subscribe to the Government News and Media Information System maintained by the Director of Information Services), political parties (i.e. political bodies/organisations that meet the specified requirements under the Regulation), Heung Yee Kuk, respective Rural Committees for the relevant Rural Areas, indigenous inhabitants of the relevant Indigenous Villages or Composite Indigenous Villages, residents of the relevant Existing Villages or Market Towns as well as validly nominated candidates at a coming election can inspect the aforementioned final register of electors for purposes relating to the RRE, by making an appointment through the RRE hotline or the relevant NTDOs during ordinary business hours starting from today. The ordinary business hours of the HAD and NTDOs in respect of the above matter are from 9am to 1pm and from 2pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except Saturdays and general holidays). Statistical information about the final register is available on the RRE website. For enquiries, please visit the RRE website or call the RRE hotline.
Hundreds of parliamentarians, from some 130 countries, gathered at the 149th IPU Assembly in Geneva, have adopted a resolution reaffirming unwavering support for multilateralism through the United Nations system and other global institutions.
Against a backdrop of escalating conflicts around the world, the consequences of climate change and the risk of pandemics, resulting in a multiplication of humanitarian crises, lawmakers emphasized the urgency of a collective response and cooperation at the international level.
The resolution, put forward by the IPU’s founding Members, France and the United Kingdom, along with Germany, the Netherlands and Canada, calls for a “complete rejection of the indiscriminate targeting by armed forces of civilians, wherever they may be, particularly emergency personnel, health and education workers, and medical, education and other public infrastructure”.
The resolution was reinforced by the IPU’s Committee to Promote Respect for International Humanitarian Law, which issued a plea for the international community to pressure the parties to the conflict in Israel, Lebanon, and Gaza, to take action to avert a full-scale war.
The Assembly also provided a space for intensive parliamentary diplomacy, including meetings of the IPU’s various international parliamentary bodies which contribute to peace-building efforts, such as the Task Force for the peaceful resolution of the war in Ukraine and the Committee on Middle East Questions.
Other outcomes on science, technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The global parliamentary also adopted a landmark resolution on The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
The resolution urges parliaments worldwide to swiftly develop and implement robust legal frameworks and policies for the responsible creation, deployment and use of AI technology.
Key demands of the resolution include:
Mitigating risks to democracy, human rights and the rule of law, with a particular focus on the disproportionate impact of AI on women and girls
Legislating against deepfake intimate images and AI-generated content that fuels hate speech or incites violence
Developing tools to verify the origin of online images and content, empowering users to discern authenticity
Reviewing and updating existing legislation to close loopholes exposed by AI advances.
The resolution underscores the need for parliaments to stay ahead of the curve in regulating AI, striking a balance between innovation and the protection of fundamental rights.
IPU Charter on the Ethics of Science and Technology
During the Assembly, the Governing Council adopted a new Charter on the Ethics of Science and Technology.
Drafted by the IPU’s Working Group on Science and Technology, the Charter underscores the critical role of scientific knowledge in parliamentary decision-making and the ethical considerations essential for governing emerging technologies.
Key highlights of the Charter include:
Emphasizing ethical responsibilities in scientific advancements
Advocating for equitable global participation, and addressing gender, social and economic inequalities
Outlining key principles for regulating science and technology, including enacting laws promoting societal values, the preservation of research freedom, international cooperation and sustainability considerations.
The Charter recommends that legislators maintain parliamentary structures for presenting evidence-based information, engage with competent organizations on ethics, develop checklists for scrutinizing legislation and consult civil society.
Geneva Declaration on science and technology
In their final Declaration, legislators expressed resolve to harness and regulate science, technology and innovation (STI) for the benefit of humanity.
The Declaration emphasizes the need to bridge digital divides, protect human rights, and foster international cooperation in STI governance.
Parliamentarians pledged to implement these commitments through legislative, budgetary and oversight actions, striving for an equitable and technologically advanced world.
Background
The 149th IPU Assembly took place from 13-17 October 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland. It was attended by over 630 MPs, including 54 Speakers of Parliament and 36 Deputy Speakers. Around 36% of the MPs were women and some 25% were young MPs under 45.
The 150th IPU Assembly will take place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan from 5-9 April 2025.
The IPU is the global organization of national parliaments. It was founded in 1889 as the first multilateral political organization in the world, encouraging cooperation and dialogue between all nations. Today, the IPU comprises 181 national Member Parliaments and 15 regional parliamentary bodies. It promotes peace, democracy and sustainable development. It helps parliaments become stronger, younger, greener, more innovative and gender-balanced. It also defends the human rights of parliamentarians through a dedicated committee made up of MPs from around the world.
MELINDA JAMES, HOST: Well, it’s just over two weeks, I think, since the NDIS Minister, Bill Shorten announced that there would be changes to the NDIS and the services you can and can’t apply for. A new list is out, but it’s the first in a tranche of changes in its wider overhaul of the NDIS that’s taking place. The Minister, Bill Shorten, will be in Dapto today to open the new Northcott Disability Services Centre in Dapto and he’s been good enough to give us some of his time this morning. Bill Shorten, good morning.
BILL SHORTEN, MINISTER FOR THE NDIS AND GOVERNMENT SERVICES: Good morning, Melinda.
JAMES: Can you tell me a little about this centre first of all? What’s special about it, the Northcott Disability Services Centre in Dapto? What’s brought you to Dapto to open it?
SHORTEN: Yeah, listen, I’m really looking forward to being at Dapto at 10:00am with Stephen Jones, a member for Whitlam and Minister in the government as well. We’re going to be having a look and opening the work set up by Northcott. It’s a fully accessible community hub. It’s going to replace Northcott Wollongong and Northcott Oak Flats locations. They’re centralising all their current services in the Wollongong area. The hub’s going to essentially have multipurpose meeting and training rooms. It’s got lots of parking and convenient public transport access. It’ll provide respite care, therapy, life skills training and also some of the admin for Northcott in the area.
JAMES: Okay, so like a one stop shop really, for people?
SHORTEN: Yeah.
JAMES: Okay, well, look, it’ll be interesting to see that unveiling today. I just wanted to take the opportunity, it’s been a couple of weeks now since you announced what’s probably the first of these major changes to the NDIS. You yourself have talked about the need for a major overhaul. We’ve seen a huge funding blowout, but I thought it might be interesting just to quickly talk about the progress of some of these changes. The list of services that are in and out of the NDIS. There’s this twelve month transitional period. I wonder if you’ve seen much activity in the past couple of weeks since you announced the list and who is the onus on in relation to these services? The client, the services or the NDIA?
SHORTEN: Okay. NDIS is changing hundreds of thousands of lives for the better and what we’re trying to do is make sure that it’s – the money’s getting through to the people for whom the Scheme was designed. We also want to make sure that it’s their future generations. The year before I became the Minister, it was going 23, 24%, which is just too fast in a year. One of the issues that we found, after a lot of consultation with people, is that there was a lack of clarity about what you could spend your funds on. And most people are spending funds on the right things, I should say, and providers who are doing a good job. But what we found is that there are some opportunistic behaviour, unethical behaviour by a minority of service providers, where things are being sold to people on the Scheme that they were never intended to have money spent on. So, this is a list of what you can use your NDIS funds on and what you can’t. So, it’s clarity. And despite what a few critics said, the sun came up the next day and people are liking the clarity and they’re also liking the idea that some of the scammers and some of the nonsense therapies, you know, being given the boot.
JAMES: So, just say, for example, you’re a client of the NDIS and you’ve been receiving. I won’t go through some of the no brainers that the NDIS should not be paying for your cigarettes and your gambling and all that sort of stuff. I mean, they’re kind of no brainers. But what if there’s something that’s been a little bit hazy, a particular alternative therapy that you believe helps you out? You’ve now realised, oh, this is probably not really available to me under my NDIS funding, how does that come to anyone’s attention? How does that stop?
SHORTEN: Well, if, for whatever reason, you’ve got something on your plan which is not going to be supported in the future, if it’s on your current plan, you still get it. But I must say, that doesn’t include the sort of no brainer stuff which somehow was just getting in because invoices weren’t getting checked. So, if you’ve got something on your plan which is being phased out, if it’s on your current plan, fine. So, then you’ll have that until the end of your plan. Also, what happens is sometimes people get encouraged to spend money on something and they’re taken advantage of because of their disability. If it’s under $1,500, what we’ll do is we’ll educate the person when we see the invoice, we won’t try and recover a debt, but what we will do is explain that in the future this isn’t on. So, there’s a transition period of about a year. But what we’re also doing is – before I became the Minister, people could put in invoices and they just weren’t getting checked. So, you just got the money, no questions asked, for thousands of dollars without any explanation. So, that’s just ridiculous. So, the in and out list is also combined with better pre invoice checking at the agency, which really wasn’t happening before I became the Minister.
JAMES: Is this kind of checking from now on or is there some kind of frantic audit system going on behind the scenes at the end of the day?
SHORTEN: Well, there’s been a bit of, there’s been a bit of checking back and not retrospectively using this list, but more generally, it is unacceptable that for years people could put in invoices with no ABN and no explanation. That’s just not on. I love this Scheme, I bleed it. But I’m not going to have a few opportunists building their, you know, getting their, getting their, building their profits off, ripping off the taxpayer and people with disability.
JAMES: Of course, we don’t know when the federal election is going to be, sometime between now and May. That’s not a long period of time. We know that you have announced your retirement from politics. You’re pretty much the architect of this Scheme originally and it will be a huge legacy that you’ve left for the country. But there are several changes to come. Needs based assessment process for access to the Scheme. So, in terms of diagnosis versus needs, etcetera, what happens to children in the states and territories needing to lift their game when it comes to assisting children with an autism diagnosis, for example, there’s the registration requirements for service providers. There’s a lot to get through that you’ve announced need to happen as an overhaul of this Scheme. It’s not all going to happen before you go, is it? I mean, what kind of state do you think you’ll be able to leave this Scheme in by the time you retiree?
SHORTEN: Well, first of all, in a democracy, there’s always changes to who the Ministers are, so change is inevitable about the personalities. My aim in the last two and a half, three years has been to try and politician proof the Scheme, make it sustainable for the future so that whoever’s there, it’s consistent. So, in my time, we have put in an extra couple of thousand people to help the agency run properly. It was just chronically understaffed when you ring up, you’d always get a different person. That’s not acceptable you need – we’ve also got now 50% of the board of people who’ve lived experienced, led by Kurt Fearnley, Australia’s remarkable Paralympian and disability leader. We’ve also beefed up our detection system. We’ve now got hundreds of investigations into the crooks and we’ve got 56, 60 people in front of the courts. But we’ve also got an agreement with the states that the NDIS isn’t going to be the only lifeboat in the ocean. So, we’re going to build out a series of supports for people whose disabilities don’t require the full NDIS. But there’ll be services in the future which they can access anyway because they still need some support. We’ve now got agreement to register most of the service providers because at the moment, 90% plus of service providers in the Scheme are not registered. As we’ve just spoken about, we’ve now got a list of what you can and can’t spend your money on. So, who you spend your money with, what you can spend your money on, and also work out what is, how do you get consistent access to the Scheme, what are the rules? All of that work is now agreed and underway. Set. Now, we’re currently working right now work up till the day before I go on, how do we start the ball rolling about consistent assessment across the Scheme so people coming into the Scheme, people know how you get into it and what’s the standard? We’re also starting the work on registering the most high risk service provisions first. So there’s a lot of good people coming in and working in the Scheme. There’s, I think, a lot greater clarity about direction and agreement about the need to keep the Scheme sustainable. It’s been a lot of work done and it’s a bit like painting the Harbour Bridge. When you finish it, you just go back and start again. So, that’s the NDIS. It’s a massive Australian institution, but Australians can now be sure that it’s better run and more accountably run than what we found three years ago.
JAMES: Bill Shorten, I appreciate your time this morning. Thank you very much.
SHORTEN: Yeah, lovely. Cheers. Bye.
JAMES: That’s the Minister for the NDIS, Bill Shorten.
GRAEME DAY, HOST: It’s coming up to a quarter to 10 and on the line is the Minister for the NDIS and Government Services. It’s a very good morning to Bill Shorten, hello.
BILL SHORTEN, MINISTER FOR THE NDIS AND GOVERNMENT SERVICES: G’day, Graham. How are you today?
DAY: Not too bad, not too bad. A busy day for you. You’re on the south coast?
SHORTEN: Yeah, it’s fantastic. I was invited to be the special guest at a really moving event last night in Wollongong. The CEO of Greenacres, which is a marvellous disability service, 71 years old. CEO Chris Christodoulou after the last 11 years is finishing up and he’s done a great job there, but it was really moving. A lot of the participants were there, their families, a lot of the good and the great of Wollongong, Ryan Park, Paul Scully, Alison Byrne and Stephen Jones. But most importantly, Chris and his family and the guy has made a difference. And today I’m going to the new Northcott Disability Hub in Dapto, which is going to be great for people with disability in the local region
DAY: It must be good to see government money going into these facilities and make it easier for people?
SHORTEN: Yeah, I’m a believer. I believe that one of the best things the Government can do with very important taxes people pay is make sure that people with profound and severe disability get a better chance. And, you know, really, I know Aussies don’t like paying tax, well most don’t, but when it comes to things like Medicare and making sure that the profoundly and severely impaired have a chance for a more fulfilling life, you know, I think that’s – it’s great. And so I’m very motivated to make sure that the money gets through to the people for whom the Scheme, the NDIS was designed.
DAY: Now, the NDIS, it certainly had its problems. When you took over as the Minister, did you realise the enormity of what had to be fixed? How far it was off the rails?
SHORTEN: I don’t – no, I mean, the short answer is no – I don’t know if you’ve ever ordered anything on eBay and the photos look good, but when you get it, you go, hmm, that’s not what I ordered? No, the truth is a bit better than that. The reality is the NDIS is helping hundreds of thousands of people. There’s now 660,000 people receiving personal budgets and support. There’s over 400,000 people work in the sector. When I sort of campaigned for the idea, like in 2008, 9, 10, if you’d said that we’d have a Scheme helping this many people, I’d have said, you know, what’s that line out of The Castle when they talk about the price of jousting sticks? I’d say tell them they’re dreaming. But the reality is it is doing good. When Labor lost in 2013, there were four trial sites. So, you know, credit to the Libs, they’ve got it up to scale, but their eye was not on the ball when it came to the back office functions, you know, the scrutiny of their payments, looking for quality. I mean, a lot of service providers do a great job, but there are some people who are attracted like flies to the barbecue, seeing government money just lining their own pockets. And I’ve been all about getting rid of the, you know, the snake oil salesmen and the crooks out of the Scheme.
DAY: And you’ve been fairly successful with that too, because when it first started, it seemed like there was an NDIS provider on every corner. But that has reduced somewhat because of the scrutiny that basically the Labor Government’s put on it.
SHORTEN: Yeah, listen, this is a growth industry. You know, I used to be a union rep with the AWU and look after the steel industry. Steel is a big industry in the Illawarra, Port Kembla. There’s about 20,000 people working still, but in the last 15 years, this NDIS sector has gone from none to – it’ll be half a million people working in the next few years, which is good. The need was always there. So, it’s a growth industry, but what we’ve got to do is make sure it’s growing along set lines, that it’s not the Wild West, that people are not selling snake oil and shonky therapies or just manipulating, treating participants and their carers and their families as human ATMs.
DAY: Can I ask you a question on behalf of the public? I think where the problem lies with the interaction of the public with government – people often say to me, with all the technology we have, for all the people that we have that are skilled, why is it with the NDIS, with Centrelink and what have you, why does it take so bloody long? It seems that there’s so much waiting time there with people that need help?
SHORTEN: I have an answer. The reality is that you can’t run human services without humans. And my predecessors had bought the digital revolution and they’re right, it’s much quicker to do things online. But not everyone wants to go online. We get 10 million people a year coming into Centrelink or Service Australia offices. The problem is the staff have been cut to the bone. Ten years ago there was about 37,000 people working. The deal was apparently that we buy all this fancy technology and we wouldn’t need people. What we got instead was Robodebt. What we’ve got – we got down to about 27,000 staff and that’s a disaster. So, now we’re up above 30,000. Call waiting times for both Medicare and social welfare payments have now fallen and in other words, it’s getting less time before you get answered. Would you believe I’ve just introduced a queuing system in Service Australia office where you ring ahead and you can make an appointment. I know that is not rocket science, but you know, this is a major development and with the NDIA, when people knew that we were reforming, we did get a sort of tsunami of extra claims in the last six months. People trying to proverbially, some people, getting in for last drinks before we turned the tap off of some of the scams. But that’s now coming back to more manageable level. I’m sorry people have had bad experiences waiting. I know it is happening, but all I can tell you is that the KPI or the sort of key performance indicator I asked from my senior public servants is tell me waiting times every week on the phone. I just want to know are we getting it done more quickly and are we processing payments more quickly? Now I know for someone who’s still waiting to get their old Age Pension sorted or their DSP, they might say, well, it doesn’t matter what Bill says, I’m still waiting. The fact is, on a lot of indicators, like it’s just evidence, so I’m confident to say it. We have – it is getting better, you know, the number of complaints that we get have been cut in half in terms of Centrelink. The other good thing is in the NDIS, the number of complaints we’re investigating nearly doubled because we’re putting more resources into investigating the rorts.
DAY: You certainly have done a great job. One thing just before you go, because I know you’ve got to go shortly, you’ve decided in the not too distant future to call it a day on your political career? You’ve certainly been high profile. You’ve seen the ups and you’ve seen the downs. When it comes to public life, what, what is the moment where you go, look, I’m going to step down and spend more time for me or my family because we often see it in public life and it comes out of the blue? Was it a long process of you thinking it through or was it just one day walking up the stairs going, you know what, I think I might like to do something else?
SHORTEN: Sort of a mix. I mean, first of all, I should say that for all the crap days – and sometimes you have them – I wouldn’t give up a single day in the last 17 years. Probably the only day I’d give up is the day my mum passed. And other than that, you know, I’m – what’s that Frank Sinatra line? Regrets, I’ve got a few, but then again, too few to mention. I – no one in my family’s ever been a politician, like my family – you know, my grandma was an air raid warden in Britain, and she lived in the northeast in public housing. My mum was the first in the family to ever go to university. No one – I pinch myself, it’s a privilege to serve. When I occasionally hear about pollies lining in their own pockets, it drives me nuts because that’s not what most of them do. I just think it’s a privilege to serve. The hard thing is, when do you call it quits? When do you say, I’ll do something else? Because I’m not retiring. I’m moving into another aspect of public life, helping adults, young people and adults do lifelong learning and universities, and how do we foster a spirit of critical thinking and enquiry in a generation? So, I’m going to a busy job, but it’ll be less partisan, which is fine. I’m happy not to have to trade sledges every day. I mean, at a certain point you get sick of playing in the cricket team of sledging, which is parliament. I’ve mixed feelings. I love my portfolio. Not everyone in my portfolios loves me, but I love them, well nearly everyone. I love my electorate. I live in the northwestern suburbs of Melbourne. I’ve lived there for 35 years, like, I love it. Do you leave when you’re going well, or do you leave when you’re carried out? I had a choice to be a lifer and there’s nothing wrong with that. I never wanted to be, with respect, a corporate door opener. That’s what some politicians do. There’s this myth that we all get pensions. We don’t. We’re very well remunerated, but I’ve always known the day after politics I’ll have to find a job. So, I applied for the this job to run the university under my own steam. It wasn’t a government appointment, so I’ve got mixed feelings. I love what I do and I’m really going to love helping the University of Canberra, but also higher education and TAFE. You know, I’m interested in – we can’t stop learning and I think Australia does best when we’re giving people the skills to equip – the future is changing so quickly. How do we help people? So, I’m going into a new facet of helping people, but I love what I do currently. I mean, when does a good athlete – not that I’m an athlete, but when does a good athlete stop playing footy? When does, you know, when do any of us, you know, you’re a good journalist, when do you decide you want to do something else? It’s not – I would give no advice to anyone else except always pick a job that you love doing.
DAY: Absolutely. Mate, thanks so much. Thanks for the job that you have done and say g’day to Stephen Jones for us as you do the opening today at Northcott.
SHORTEN: Sorry, mate, we broke up then.
DAY: I was just saying thanks for the job that you have done and say g’day to Steve Jones for us when you – both of you are there for the opening of Northcott at Dapto today.
SHORTEN: Yeah, well, that was – I’m going to look forward to Northcott today, but that was [inaudible]
DAY: Okay, mate. Okay, we’ll talk soon.
SHORTEN: All right, good on you. Thank you.
DAY: Okay, great to talk to you. Thanks so much. Bye.
National Security Agency/Central Security Service (NSA/CSS) affiliates across the Enterprise helped raise 136,472 pounds of food in this year’s Feds Feed Families (FFF) Summer Food Drive.
The drive concluded in August, with NSA/CSS Washington’s portion going to a local food bank, which provides more than 41 million meals to families in need every year.
“It’s incredible to see firsthand the impact that this Agency has on the local community,” said FFF Program Manager Veronica Maylish Beckenstrater. “I witnessed so much generosity — from folks dropping food off to online donations, including those who donated to enter the cutest pet photo contest.”
“I was so pleased to see employees getting involved with the events and contests this year,” said Marlisa Smith, NSA Chief of Staff and senior advocate for the 2024 FFF campaign. “Giving back is such a wonderful way for our employees to make a difference.”
The overall FFF campaign, led by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is an annual government-wide campaign that encourages Federal Government employees to donate food, money, or volunteer hours. It occurs during the summer months to help food banks and pantries stay stocked during a period when donations usually decline and the need increases.
“Some affiliates may not realize how empty local food banks can get during the summer months,” said NSA’s volunteer program manager. “It’s actually been hard to schedule volunteer morale building activities at food banks in the NSA Washington area this spring and summer because some of their shelves have been bare.”
The generosity of NSA/CSS employees helped to fill this gap, according to Maylish Beckenstrater.
“The FFF team and workforce’s dedication was vital to the success of the campaign and will provide food to many families and their pets in our community,” said State and Local Affairs Chief Barry Boseman.
When combined with NSA/CSS’s contributions to the Combined Federal Campaign that were given to charities focused on food and nutrition, NSA has donated 1,417,631 pounds so far this calendar year.
“This makes NSA/CSS the second highest food donor in the Department of Defense so far this year, which is pretty incredible,” said Maylish Beckenstrater.
Headline: Mid North Coast Midwifery Group Practice expanded
Published: 18 October 2024
Released by: Minister for Regional Health, Minister for Women
An expansion of the Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) model on the Mid North Coast is providing more women and their families with access to evidence-based midwifery continuity of care.
Mid North Coast Local Health District recently announced the commencement of a new MGP service and Maternity Antenatal Postnatal Service (MAPS) in the Hastings Macleay region.
The MGP service commenced in Port Macquarie in September, supporting increased access to continuity of care with a known midwife.
Under the MGP model, women receive care from a known primary midwife throughout their pregnancy, labour, birth and up to six weeks after birth. MGP midwives work as part of a small team to ensure support and minimise potential disruptions to care.
A review of criteria for MGP is also enabling more women with higher-level care needs to access the service where clinically appropriate, or to stay in the program if they develop risk factors during pregnancy.
In May this year, a dedicated team of midwives began providing MAPS care at Kempsey District Hospital and Port Macquarie Base Hospital. The MAPS model offers midwifery continuity in the antenatal and postnatal periods, while birth care is provided by a core hospital birthing team.
These new services are in addition to the existing MGP models in place at Coffs Harbour and Macksville since 2021.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:
“We are committed to ensuring women across NSW have access to respectful, evidence-based maternity care. I am proud of the work Mid Morth Coast Local Health District is doing to expand its midwifery continuity of care models.
“These models of care enable women to get to know their midwife throughout their pregnancy, who then provide postnatal care in the home for up to six weeks to support mother-baby bonding and a healthy start to life.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Women Jodie Harrison:
“Women’s health and wellbeing are a key focus for this government. It’s important we provide women with continuity of care so they feel supported during their pregnancy and after their baby is born.
“With the expansion of the MGP to Mid North Coast, we are increasing the number of women who will be able to access to midwifery continuity of care.”
Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Port Macquarie Cameron Murphy, MLC:
“I welcome Mid North Coast Local Health District’s commitment to improving maternity services for women in Port Macquarie, so they, their babies and their families can have the best possible experience in our hospitals.”
Quotes attributable to MNCLHD acting Chief Executive Jill Wong:
“We’re thrilled to expand the midwifery continuity of care models across the Mid North Coast region and to build on the successful Coffs Harbour and Macksville models which have been in place since 2021.
“We’re committed to delivering midwifery-led care and offering more choice to pregnant women and their families. I thank the many staff and consumers who have worked to deliver these positive changes.”
Quotes attributable to Courtney Harvey, who had her baby Charlotte through the MAPS service at Kempsey:
“Being a first-time mum, everything can be a little scary, there are so many unknowns about labour and birth. The first few weeks, everything is such a big change but having my own midwife at all my appointments made such a big difference, it was really lovely.
“It was nice having the same point of contact for everything in my pregnancy.
“My postnatal care was amazing. I loved that my midwife did an antenatal home visit prior to me having my baby. It was nice having her come into my space at home during the antenatal period and I could get comfortable having a health professional in my own home.
“If I am blessed to have more children, I would really hope that I can have the same experience as I have had with my pregnancy and birth this time as it has all been so positive, so special, I wouldn’t want to change it. I hope I can have continuity, and birth here, once again.”
The University of Tasmania (UTAS) today celebrated the opening of its latest facilities, penning a new chapter in the life of one of Australia’s oldest universities – supported by funding from all three levels of government.
The Shed, the last of three new buildings at UTAS’s redeveloped Inveresk campus at Launceston, is set to receive students from semester one next year.
Centrally located opposite City Park, The Shed is the largest of UTAS’s three new facilities, and includes a variety of specialised allied health clinics, science labs and nursing simulation facilities.
The facility will host community health education programs, professional development workshops, sports science testing and wellbeing initiatives, as well as a range of community activities and events.
The $97 million project was delivered as part of the $304 million relocation and redevelopment of UTAS’s main Launceston campus from Newnham to Inveresk – which is expected to increase student numbers to 10,000 by 2032.
This transformation was jointly funded, with $130 million from the Australian Government, $108.6 million from UTAS, $60 million from the Tasmanian Government and $5.4 million from the City of Launceston – as part of the $609.4 million Launceston City Deal.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Education, Jason Clare MP:
“Congratulations to the Vice-Chancellor, staff and students on the opening of The Shed right here in the heart of Launceston.
“This new building will help train more nurses and health workers and support more people in Northern Tasmania to get a crack at going to uni.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:
“As someone that had to leave home to attend university, I know how important it is to have education opportunities locally, especially in our regions – because postcodes shouldn’t be a barrier for your future.
“Having toured this campus last year, I know its central location and high-quality facilities will boost attendance numbers – with 2,400 students already moving to the Inveresk precinct, and around 4,000 students expected from early next year.”
Quotes attributable to Tasmanian Minister for Education, Jo Palmer:
“The Shed is an important piece of infrastructure, but it’s what will occur within its walls and upon this new campus that is most important.
“This project provides exciting opportunities for our young people embarking on their journey of lifelong learning and also for the wider community.
“Being able to stay in Tasmania and study new courses such as speech pathology, physiotherapy and occupational therapy is so important for our young people.”
Quotes attributable to Tasmanian Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Eric Abetz MP:
“The completion of The Shed is a significant milestone in the Northern Transformation Project. This state-of-the-art facility is a testament to what can be achieved when all levels of government, the University of Tasmania, and the local community work in unison for a common goal.
“This transformation project is not just about new buildings, it’s about creating an environment that fosters innovation, learning, and growth, with benefits extending well beyond the university’s walls and into the community.
“It is exciting to see the tangible outcomes of this investment driving significant economic activity across the region—creating jobs, supporting local industries, and delivering long-term benefits to the Tasmanian economy.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Labor Senator for Tasmania, Helen Polley:
“We continue to deliver the projects that people in Launceston and across Northern Tasmania deserve – with this transformative campus to ensure people can study in-demand qualifications at home.
“With the expected influx of new students into Launceston in the coming years, our investment in the University’s presence at Inveresk will support new jobs and stimulate our local economy long into the future.”
Quotes attributable to City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood:
“The completion of UTAS’s campus is an amazing milestone for the city and region.
“Launceston’s CBD has been transformed by the relocation of UTAS’s campus to Inveresk into a vibrant and dynamic precinct.
“We have seen how the relocation has given confidence to nearby investments in the city, including our own redevelopment of the iconic Albert Hall.
“Inveresk has now become a really colourful and contemporary part of Launceston, with its links to QVMAG, UTAS Stadium and our CBD.”
MURRAY JONES [HOST]: Well, having lived in the regions for quite a few years, thankfully I had the opportunity to go to university, studied law actually, many, many years ago. But I remember hearing a statistic in recent times; of the people you may walk past, if you’re walking down Circular Quay in Sydney, one in two of the people that you pass, at least one in two, have a university degree or at least some form of tertiary education. You go further out, further out to the regions, the numbers get down to just one in five with a university degree or some form of tertiary education. It may even be even lower in some areas. So, particularly in the regional areas, getting further education facilities and opportunities, life changing for Australians. My special guest this morning, Assistant Minister for Education, also Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. He’s got quite the portfolio. Senator Anthony Chisholm joins me from Innisfail. Good morning, Anthony. How are you today?
ANTHONY CHISHOLM [ASSISTANT MINISTER]: Good, Murray, good to be with you again. And, yeah, a really telling introduction there as well about the challenges that many people in regional Australia face.
JONES: Yes, certainly when it comes to education. Look, you know, when we talk about, you know, obviously with the Queensland election, a lot of issues of crime, a lot of issues with respect to dysfunction that have come up, the better education, the better you are involved in society and doing things regardless of your age, you’re more likely to be staying off the street, not committing crime, and of course, negotiating this world when it comes to misinformation, disinformation, you know, a good education makes such a difference. So, the reason why you’re here and the reason why we’re talking to you, pretty exciting stuff, actually. Cassowary Coast Innisfail, the Cassowary Coast University Centre, has just been opened. The Innisfail facility, part of twelve new regional university study hubs that have been rolled out, Anthony.
CHISHOLM: Yeah, really exciting and real pleasure for me to be here today to help open the hub. It’s already got 30 students who are studying here and for me that’s 30 people who might not have taken on a higher education degree if they didn’t have access to the support that these regional university study hubs provide. So, full credit to the Cassowary Coast Council for having the vision. They’ve got a partner in Vocational Partnerships Group who are working with them to make this hub a reality and I’m expecting that it will achieve outstanding results. And those young people growing up in Innisfail who aspire to a higher education degree, what this hub means is that they don’t have to leave town to achieve it. They can stay in their local community, they can have their support network around them of family and friends. And the exciting thing is that the next nurse or teacher that we desperately need in this part of the world can stay and study locally, which is fantastic.
JONES: Now, it’s not a satellite university as such, I believe it’s not necessarily aligned with any particular university, but at the same time, it’s kind of aligned with all of them I understand.
CHISHOLM: Yeah, that’s correct. So, this is led by council and obviously they’ve got the partnership with the Vocational Partnerships Group as well. But the beauty of these hubs is they’ve been established around the country and there’s more than 40 operating around regional Australia at the moment, is you can walk into them, you can meet students and they’ll be studying at universities all across the country. And what they get from the hub is that support, that mentoring, that help in navigating, and a high percentage of these people studying are first in family. As you know, Murray, universities can quite often be daunting places when you first turn up or you first engage.
JONES: Sure.
CHISHOLM: So, having those people there to support, provide that network to ensure they can navigate and achieve their best results is really important. And that’s what these regional university study hubs are providing around the country. And it’s exciting that that’ll now be an opportunity for students from around the Innisfail area.
JONES: And look, I understand the statistics, more than 20 per cent of the Innisfail population identifying as First Nations people. So, I guess a great opportunity also for First Nations people to get involved in this particular hub.
CHISHOLM: That’s right. And one of the things that these hubs have been really successful at is getting out and attending the local high schools and talking to those younger students to give them that hope and ambition that they can actually study at university. It doesn’t mean you’ve got to move away from home. And I think it just opens those eyes and gives people a real incentive to know that they can do – they can study, they can achieve, but they can do it locally. And that, I think particularly with the cost of living at the moment and the challenge that it would be for someone moving away from home, I think having that opportunity to do that locally is tremendous.
JONES: Yeah, it certainly is. And look, you know, we’ve heard it many times over the years, some of the biggest issues certainly for Australians when it comes to elections, the things that they consider – education opportunities and obviously health, climate change, but particularly education, so important there. And look, you know, from a personal perspective, when it comes to identifying misinformation, disinformation and having an objective view on the world, I think education is just so important. And I’m sure I’ve mentioned to you before, my other half, she’s actually a schoolteacher as well. Can we touch on something? Even though you’re the Federal Assistant Minister for Education, there’s been a lot of talk about school lunches as part of the packages that have been put forward by various political parties. So, there’s been a bit of discussion there. Just in general terms, what do you think, particularly for primary school, for schools to actually be providing school lunches for students?
CHISHOLM: Yeah, it’s interesting, Murray, and I – as you’re aware, I’m Assistant Minister for Education, so I get to regularly engage with the schooling system around the country. My brother is actually a groundsman at a state school closer to Brisbane as well –
JONES: Okay.
CHISHOLM: – so I regularly get updates from him about what he’s up to. But the thing that I’ve noticed is that so many schools around the country are already doing this type of thing, whether it be breakfast programs, whether it be lunch for children. And I think it’s just reflective of the times that we’re in around people doing it tough. Parents are really busy, and there often are schools that are fitting the bridge. So, I can understand why the state thinks that this is a good program to implement across the country and make it more universal and accessible so that all schools have the opportunity to do it. But I think it would be fair to say, and I’m sure you’d get this if you talk to other primary schools, that there’s already something similar being offered across breakfast and lunch for most schools. So, extending that and operating it universally and making sure it’s accessible to everyone, I think is a good announcement by the state government.
JONES: And, you know, I often do hear it from my partner, you know, just basic things of having food for lunch, even having food the night before, having a clean uniform, all the textbooks, all the facilities and bits and pieces. Maybe not textbook these days, but I guess having those education facilities, you know, having them sorted out for kids is just so important so they can take that step and actually be very much involved in education. So, I’m sure when it comes to those lunches, that’s something we’ll be hearing about a lot more. Great to talk to you about this particular one. It’s the Cassowary Coast University Centre in Innisfail. Nice for you to be spending some time in the region and thank you so much for your time this morning, Anthony Chisholm. Cheers.
CHISHOLM: Thanks, Murray. Good to be with you again.
Labour welcomes the National Government’s decision to further pursue our access to the Canadian dairy market under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
“This latest decision is a continuation of steps taken by Labour in government to enforce the hard won and valuable concessions negotiated in the 2018 CPTPP trade agreement,” Labour trade spokesperson Damien O’Connor said.
“Both our countries’ economies could suffer over time if Canada refuses to abide by the terms of the agreement and the rules of international trade.
“Trade is critical to both Canada and New Zealand, and rules protect both our economies,” said Damien O’Connor.
Confirmed news that the Smithfield meatworks will close is devastating for the hundreds of people who work there, Timaru and the wider region.
“Our worst fear has been confirmed, this closure will leave up to 600 people out of work. Sometimes several members of the same family work in this plant – and this is distressing news for all of them and our community,” Labour MP based in Rangitata Jo Luxton said.
“These workers contribute to the local economy and businesses, and many have family nearby. Now many of them will have potentially have to leave our community in search of work,” Jo Luxton said.
This is the latest major employer to close in New Zealand, following hundreds of other manufacturing job losses in the North Island.
“We are seeing rising unemployment as the government ignores the plight of workers,” Labour workplace relations and safety spokesperson Camilla Belich said.
“Even through the global economic shock of the pandemic, Labour supported workers and businesses to keep people in jobs. Now, unemployment rises while the government sits on its hands.
“The Government has chosen to lay off 6000 public servants, has not done anything to help hundreds of workers in the manufacturing sector, and has cancelled Jobs for Nature and reduced funding for Apprenticeship Boost – programmes that help create jobs in our regions.
“The Government needs to stand up for workers and see the value in keeping people in work,” Camilla Belich said.
Weeks of comprehensive training have paid off for 11 new Police Security Officers (PSO) who today graduated from the South Australia Police (SAPOL) Academy.
Ranging in age from 19 to 39, 10 men and one woman have been welcomed into the blue family and share a desire to help the community.
Course 3 graduates bring a variety of work experience to the role, including in retail, fitness, healthcare, labour, HR, customer service, and childcare.
Former flight attendant, Marcio, was living in Dubai when his journey towards a new SAPOL career began.
“I was working as a flight attendant for an airline up to June 2023. I met my wife, who is from Adelaide, in 2014 while doing our flight attendant training course,” he said.
“We got married and welcomed our baby boy in 2022 and decided that it was time to retire our wings and the nonstop flight attendant lifestyle to give full attention to our growing family.
“I feel very lucky to have travelled the whole world and met so many people of diverse cultures and backgrounds.”
Australia is the fourth continent Marcio has lived in during the past 14 years.
“I lived in Dublin, Ireland in 2010/11. I was back in Brazil in 2012/13, and from 2014 to 2023 I was in Dubai and now Australia for the foreseeable future,” he explained.
“Throughout my time at SAPOL’s academy I have become more aware of things happening around me and more situationally aware now. My active listening skills have improved.
“I am really excited to graduate and start doing the job I have been training so hard for. I will likely be posted to the Police Security Services Branch where I will work across many important government sites and on metro patrols.”
Fellow graduate, Libby, was working as a childcare educator and playing SANFLW before joining SAPOL.
“Learning to communicate with children and their families has helped my communication skills throughout the academy,” she said.
“I’m excited to work in the variety of roles the Police Security Services Branch has to offer, including custody management, school patrols, and getting to communicate with the community daily.
“Throughout my time at the academy, participating in the Operational Safety Training Exercises (OSTT) was one of the most memorable experiences.”
Libby plans to undertake SAPOL’s Constable Development Program in the future, after seeing how far she can go in the PSO role.
Both graduates encouraged anyone thinking about a new career to consider joining SAPOL.
“It’s like joining a tight-knit family,” Marcio said.
“I really get that welcoming feeling every time I bump into a PSO in the corridors of the police academy.”
Libby similarly felt accepted and supported throughout her training.
“Everyone in our course had their strengths and weaknesses and as a group we were able to work together to help everyone graduate, backed by our mentors,” she added.
If you’re looking for job security, career progression pathways and a chance to make a real difference in local communities visit Achievemore – Join Us (police.sa.gov.au)
Marcio and Libby are among 11 new Police Security Officers to graduate today from the South Australia Police Academy.
Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
LAFAYETTE – Today, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) toured the Bayou Bend Health and Wellness Center, which has served patients in St. Mary Parish since 1953 and provides many of the same services a patient can find at hospitals in large cities.
“As a doctor, I know that good health care is important for the individual, the family, and the community,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Families will move to a community based upon the quality of their health care. Bayou Bend is meeting those needs and then some.”
Last July, Cassidy reintroduced the bipartisan Treat and Reduce Obesity Act, which would expand coverage of chronic weight management medications and specialists within Medicare.
Additionally, Cassidy has introduced legislation to support rural health care and the communities they serve. That includes the Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act to support rural ambulance services, the PEERS in Medicare Act to encourage peer counseling for senior citizens, and the CONNECT for Health Act to support telehealth through Medicare. The announcement by Cassidy and Governor Jeff Landry in August of $1.35 billion from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) for rural broadband will help provide the foundation necessary to expand telehealth throughout Louisiana.
Bayou Bend provides numerous medical services to its patients, including respiratory therapy, radiology, pain management and rehabilitation, maternity and newborn nursery services, and surgical care. Their Wellness Center features a fitness center with an indoor walking track, group exercise studios and a place for cycling, as well as space for wellness testing and expanded therapy. Cassidy toured both the hospital and wellness center and was led by Ms. Stephanie Guidry, CEO of Bayou Bend.
“We are so thankful that Senator Cassidy took some time out of his schedule for a tour,” said Ms. Guidry. “We had wonderful discussions about Bayou Bend’s growth and strategy to transition from treating illness to creating wellness in the communities we serve. During the tour of our Wellness Center, we share some patient success stories that illustrate our efforts to combat diseases like hypertension and diabetes through wellness initiatives. We also shared that in just our first year open, we’ve had over 100,000 check-ins to the facility, and members have recorded almost 10 million calories burned! Our team has done a tremendous job of providing a place that is ‘more than just a gym,’ and I think our community is better off because of it.”
Later, Cassidy visited local leaders in Morgan City, including the Mayors of Morgan City and Franklin and the Executive Director of the Morgan City Harbor and Terminal District. He led a discussion on improving St. Mary Parish’s infrastructure, among other topics. Cassidy’s IIJA has delivered millions of dollars throughout the parish, including nearly $20 million to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2022 for construction, damage repairs, and levee surfacing replacements along the Atchafalaya Basin, and $10 million that October to expand the Port of Morgan City’s dock. Additionally, in a separate appropriation for Fiscal Year 2024, Cassidy secured $2.3 million to upgrade the emergency operations center at the port.
Along with mayors and other officials, Cassidy met with Mr. Evan Boudreaux, Director of Economic Development, Policy and Government Affairs for the parish.
“A critical factor in cultivating long-lasting economic growth in any community is having all of your partners come to the table to move the needle on addressing local challenges,” said Mr. Boudreaux. “Senator Cassidy is one of the best friends St. Mary Parish has. Without the leadership of Senator Cassidy on legislation such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, St. Mary would not have been able to access or compete for funding to address some of our greatest hindrances to creating a more vibrant community.”
Have your say on theDairy Industry Restructuring (Export Licences Allocation) Amendment Bill
The Primary Production Committee is calling for submissions on the Dairy Industry Restructuring (Export Licences Allocation) Amendment Bill. The bill would amend rules around how the dairy export quotas administered by New Zealand are allocated.
Dairy export quotas allow New Zealand dairy products to receive beneficial tariff rates in certain overseas markets. The bill would change the allocation of dairy export quotas from a system based on the proportion of milk solids a company collects from New Zealand farmers to a system based on a company’s export history. It would also create a regulation-making power to enable quotas to be reserved for low-volume and otherwise ineligible exporters, and include non-bovine dairy in quota allocation.
Tell the Primary Production Committee what you think
Make a submissionon the bill by midnight on 17 November 2024.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, at the HKQAA 35th Anniversary Forum today (October 18):
Chairman Ho (Chairman of the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency, Mr Ho Chi-shing), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon. It is my great pleasure to join you today as we celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency (HKQAA). First, let me extend my warmest congratulations to the HKQAA on this remarkable milestone, and my sincere thanks for the invitation to speak at today’s forum.
Today’s topic – Sustainable Finance, ESG, and Climate Resilience – could not be more timely or critical, as it highlights the directions we must take to secure the future of not just our economy and financial markets, but our society and planet. I would like to focus on Hong Kong’s role and achievements in this area, which I believe can be summed up by a three-A framework: accessibility to capital, availability of opportunity, and accountability to global standards.
Accessibility to capital
Sustainable finance is not just a passing trend. It represents a transformative movement, aligning financial systems with the larger goals of sustainable, inclusive growth. Hong Kong has embraced this vision, emerging as a leading international hub for green finance. In 2023 alone, the total issuance of green and sustainable debt in Hong Kong exceeded US$50 billion, including both bonds and loans, with green and sustainable bonds arranged here accounting for 37 per cent of all such bonds issued across Asia.
This growing accessibility to green capital is not just about numbers. It shows that Hong Kong is well-positioned to channel investments into projects that positively impact the environment and society. We are actively working to expand our green investment product offerings and attract more international issuers to use Hong Kong’s green financing market.
By June of this year, the Securities and Futures Commission had authorised over 230 ESG (environmental, social and governance) funds, with total assets under management exceeding HK$1.3 trillion. This represents year-on-year growth of 19 per cent in the number of funds and 8 per cent in assets under management. These investments are not only generating financial returns for investors but also contributing to the well-being of our communities, proving that profitability and purpose can indeed go hand in hand.
Availability of opportunity
As we look to the future, it is vital that we continue to unlock new investment opportunities and encourage innovation in green and sustainable finance. Collaboration across sectors – between government, businesses, and the community – is essential in driving this progress.
One recent example of innovation is Core Climate, a marketplace launched by the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) in 2022. Core Climate connects capital with climate-related products and opportunities across Hong Kong, Mainland China, Asia, and beyond. In August this year, the HKEX further enhanced this platform by introducing Gold Standard’s Verified Emission Reductions, offering users a seamless, integrated experience.
Hong Kong has also demonstrated its leadership in combining the bond market, green finance, and fintech. In February this year, we successfully issued HK$6 billion worth of tokenised green bonds, denominated in multiple currencies – Hong Kong dollar, Renminbi, US dollar, and euro. This marks our second tokenised bond issuance, following the first in February 2022, and is the world’s first multi-currency digitally native green bond.
The success of these initiatives reflects the strength of Hong Kong’s green fintech ecosystem, which continues to evolve. By leveraging new technologies, we can amplify efforts to support sustainable development, not only in our local community but across the entire region.
Accountability to global standards
As a global green finance hub, Hong Kong recognises the importance of maintaining accountability and transparency in sustainability efforts. This is why aligning with international standards, notably as the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), is a key priority. We are committed to ensuring that our local sustainability disclosure requirements are aligned with the ISSB Standards, which will significantly enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness in the global sustainable finance arena.
By adopting these internationally recognised standards, we will strengthen our position as a trusted green finance hub while also improving the resilience of our local communities. This alignment will not only foster greater investor confidence but also ensure that our financial sector is well-equipped to meet the challenges of an increasingly sustainability-driven world.
HKQAA’s contributions
I would also like to take this opportunity to commend the HKQAA for its significant contributions to Hong Kong’s sustainable finance journey. Over the past 35 years, the HKQAA has been a steadfast partner, providing critical quality assurance and helping to uphold rigorous standards for green and sustainable finance. Since the launch of the Government Green Bond Programme in 2019, the HKQAA has played a pivotal role by providing external reviews for each bond issuance, ensuring the credibility and integrity of these instruments.
In addition, the HKQAA has introduced a number of certification schemes, further enhancing stakeholder confidence in green finance products. Their dedication to upholding high standards has been instrumental in positioning Hong Kong as a global leader in this space. Looking ahead, we will continue to count on the HKQAA’s expertise as we strive to meet the evolving challenges of sustainable development.
Conclusion
In closing, I would like to emphasise that the future of finance is sustainable finance. As we work towards building a more resilient and sustainable future for Hong Kong and beyond, we must remain committed to the principles of ESG and climate resilience.
Thank you for your attention and your unwavering commitment to sustainable development. Together, we can create a brighter, greener future for generations to come.
The Redistribution Committee for the Northern Territory today published its report proposing names and boundaries for the territory’s federal electoral divisions.
The Chair of the Committee and Electoral Commissioner, Tom Rogers, said the Northern Territory redistribution was required as more than seven years had elapsed since a federal redistribution was last undertaken in the Northern Territory.
“The 2023 determination of the number of members of the House of Representatives did not alter the Northern Territory’s entitlement to two members,” Mr Rogers said.
“Under the proposal, the boundaries of the Division of Lingiari and Solomon would be amended and the current names of both the Division of Lingiari and Solomon would be retained.”
retention of the names of both electoral divisions in the Northern Territory
movement of the boundary between the proposed Divisions of Lingiari and Solomon so that the proposed Division of Solomon encompasses all of the City of Palmerston, and
retention of the Territories of Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Christmas Island in the proposed Division of Lingiari.
Mr Rogers said the Committee faced a situation where by September 2028 the enrolment totals for the divisions of Lingiari and Solomon would not meet the numerical requirements.
“The proposed changes reflect the differing rates of population and enrolment growth in the Palmerston area, as well as taking into account the projected enrolment in the Divisions of Lingiari and Solomon through to 4 September 2028.”
“The status quo cannot be maintained, because without boundary adjustment, electoral enrolment in the Division of Lingiari will become comparatively too large and in the Division of Solomon too small,” Mr Rogers said.
Consultation on the redistribution continues, with individuals and organisations now able to submit feedback to the Redistribution Committee’s proposed divisions.
Written objections can agree or disagree with any aspect of the proposal. They must be lodged no later than 6pm ACST on Friday 15 November 2024. The best way to submit feedback is online but it can also be submitted via:
Post – Australian Electoral Commission (Attn: Northern Territory Redistribution Secretariat), Locked Bag 4007, Canberra ACT 2601
In person – at the AEC office at Level 9, 9 Cavanagh St, Darwin City
All input received by the deadline will be available for public inspection on the redistributions website and at the office of the Australian Electoral Officer for the Northern Territory in Darwin (by during business hours only) from Monday 18 November 2024. Further comments will then be accepted until 6pm ACST on Friday 29 November 2024.
On the occasion of President Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s visit to Germany, the United States reaffirms its commitment to deepening the close and historic bond between the two nations as Allies and friends. For over 75 years, Germany has been a crucial partner in ensuring the stability, security, and prosperity of the transatlantic alliance. In October 2023, President Biden welcomed President Steinmeier to Washington during German-American Day, underscoring the enduring people-to-people ties between our two countries, including the over 40 million Americans who claim German heritage and strengthen the diverse fabric of the United States. In February 2024, President Biden welcomed Chancellor Olaf Scholz to the White House, where the two leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s war of aggression, discussed regional stability in the Middle East, and prepared for the NATO Summit in Washington.
During his visit to Germany, President Biden will underscore our mutual commitment to upholding democracy, combating antisemitism and hatred, and expanding collaboration to promote economic growth and technological innovation. In addition, he will express gratitude to Germany for its role in hosting approximately 39,000 U.S. service members and its vital contributions to the security of NATO and the broader transatlantic community.
The United States and Germany are partners in a wide range of new and continuing initiatives to address the most pressing challenges of our time, some of which are listed below.
# # #
SECURITY AND DEFENSE
The United States and Germany cooperate through several multilateral institutions including NATO, the G7, the OSCE, and the UN, to advance security, democracy, and the rule of law globally.
As host to the largest U.S. troop presence in Europe and second largest globally, Germany continues to play a critical role as a platform for U.S. military force projection, including support for NATO’s eastern flank and training for Ukrainian soldiers.
Germany has been a key provider of military assistance to Ukraine in its defense against the Kremlin’s aggression. Contributions include advanced weaponry such as Leopard 2 tanks, air defense systems (such as IRIS-T), artillery, and ammunition. Germany also supplies medical aid, vehicles, and training for Ukrainian forces, continuously adapting its support to Ukraine’s evolving needs in coordination with NATO allies.
As announced by President Biden and Chancellor Scholz on July 10, 2024, the United States looks forward to beginning the episodic deployments of its Multi-Domain Task Force in Germany in 2026, as part of planning for enduring stationing of these conventional long-range fire capabilities in the future.
Germany plays a key role in the U.S-Italy co-led G7+ Coordination Group for Ukraine Energy Security Support. Germany has been a leading provider of financial assistance and critical components such as transformers and power generators to support the repair and strengthening of Ukraine’s energy sector in response to Russia’s continued brutal attacks on civilian infrastructure.
Germany is a robust partner in the fight against terrorism and terrorism financing, in the Financial Action Task Force, and as part of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS (D-ISIS). On September 30, State Secretary Tobias Lindner joined Secretary Blinken for the D-Isis Ministerial Meeting in Washington, D.C.
Germany will accede to Operation Olympic Defender, a U.S.-led multinational effort intended to strengthen nations’ abilities to deter hostile acts in space, strengthen deterrence against hostile actors, and reduce the spread of debris orbiting the earth. International partners currently include the UK, Canada, and Australia.
DEFENDING DEMOCRACY
As the second-largest provider of assistance to Ukraine after the United States, Germany has provided $37.2 billion (€34 billion) in bilateral assistance since February 2022. This includes humanitarian assistance, budgetary support, military equipment and training, and funding for Ukraine’s reconstruction. Germany hosted an international reconstruction conference for Ukraine in Berlin in June 2024 which generated over €60 billion in commitments to Ukraine and emphasized the human dimension of post-war recovery.
At the September 2024 United Nations General Assembly, the United States, in partnership with Germany and other international allies, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting democratic transitions as part of the Democracy Delivers Initiative, launched by USAID. The initiative mobilized over $517 million to provide financial and technical assistance to countries undergoing democratic renewal, including Guatemala, Armenia, and Moldova, with the aim of strengthening global democratic resilience.
Germany has increasingly recognized the importance of supporting Taiwan as a like-minded democratic partner. Education Minister Stark-Watzinger’s visit to Taiwan in 2023 marked the first visit by a German minister to Taiwan in 26 years. Two German warships recently transited the Taiwan Strait, a visible demonstration of Germany’s commitment to upholding international laws and norms and increasing engagement to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Germany was one of the first of twenty-one countries to endorse the U.S. government’s Framework to Counter Foreign State Information Manipulation, the U.S. Department of State’s key initiative to galvanize like-minded democracies to respond collectively to the threat posed by disinformation.
ECONOMICS & TRADE
Germany is the United States’ largest trading partner in Europe, with bilateral trade reaching over $324 billion in goods and services in 2023. U.S. direct investment in Germany was $193.2 billion in 2023. In total, German firms employ an estimated 923,600 people in the United States. Germany is the fourth-largest source of foreign direct investment in the United States and the number one foreign investor in U.S. renewable energy projects. Germany is currently the third-largest source of foreign direct investment in the United States, with investments worth more than $660 billion based on 2023 data.
On September 24, 2024, the United States and Germany held the third round of the U.S.-Germany Economic Dialogue, building on the framework established in the 2021 Washington Declaration. The talks focused on strengthening collaboration to increase economic security, including cooperation in sectors such as digital technologies and clean energy supply chains. Both countries committed to enhancing supply chain resilience and advancing sustainability goals.
Germany and the United States partner on several initiatives to advance women’s economic security around the world, including bolstering women’s participation in climate sectors through the Women in the Sustainable Economy Initiative, closing the gender digital divide through the Women in the Digital Economy Initiative, and supporting women to join the workforce by investing in efforts to close the global childcare gap through the Invest in Childcare Initiative.
COMBATTING ANTISEMITISM:
Germany is a global leader and vital partner in the fight against antisemitism and extremism. Senior officials are unequivocal in condemning antisemitism and federal and state governments have robust strategies for tackling the problem. In July 2024, Germany co-launched the Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism in Buenos Aires, an initiative led by U.S. Special Envoy Deborah Lipstadt.
Launched in 2021, The U.S.-Germany Dialogue on Holocaust Issues, plays an essential role in combatting Holocaust distortion online and promoting accurate Holocaust education and commemoration.
Germany and the United States cooperate on improving resolution to Nazi-confiscated art to ensure just and fair solutions for survivors and heirs, and salute Germany’s new art restitution policy.
EDUCATIONAL EXCHANGES
The German-American Fulbright program is one of the largest and most varied of the Fulbright Programs worldwide, sponsoring over 40,000 Germans and Americans since its inception in 1952.
Established in 2016 as a public-private partnership, each year the USA For You program brings youth from underserved German communities to the United States for a two-week homestay and community service experience. The program promotes civic engagement and helps counter extremism and xenophobia by fostering cultural understanding. In 2023, the German government launched a reciprocal Germany for You program, allowing American high school students to visit Germany for a similar exchange, further strengthening transatlantic ties.
The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX), jointly funded by the United States and German governments, supports the transatlantic relationship by fostering year-long academic, homestay, and community service opportunities for 700 American and German youth annually. Since 1983, CBYX has promoted cross-cultural understanding, professional skills, and mutual awareness of each nation’s history, politics, and society. With around 15,000 German and 14,000 American participants to date, the program strengthens ties and deepens the transatlantic partnership between the next generation of leaders.
The German Bundestag-Bundesrat exchange (CBBSX) program is an annual two-way exchange between German Bundestag and Bundesrat staff and U.S. Congressional staff members. It was initiated during the 1983 German-American Tricentennial celebration and first implemented in 1984. Participants focus on the U.S. legislative process and U.S.-German relations; examining U.S. Congress and the U.S. political system. In 2024 the IVLP brought 10 German Bundestag and Bundesrat staff members to the United States. For the first time, CBBSX participants also engaged with state and local government.
SCIENCE, ENVIRONMENT, SPACE, & TECHNOLOGY
On January 10, 2024, the United States and Germany held a U.S.-Germany Critical and Emerging TechnologyTrack 1.5 Dialogue to share strategic objectives, outlooks, and lessons learned in technological innovation. The two countries agreed to convene the first of an ongoing AI Dialogue to discuss approaches to AI governance, infrastructure and innovation, and applications of AI for good. They intend to hold the first session of this dialogue in early 2025.
Furthering their commitment to monitoring the effects of climate change, the United States and Germany have partnered on space collaboration through NASA’s Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On (GRACE-FO) mission, which monitors Earth’s water movement by tracking shifts in gravity. This mission provides critical data for managing water resources, monitoring sea levels, and understanding climate change impacts on a global scale.
The U.S.-Germany scientific partnership was further strengthened throughfunding from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) for Collaborative Research in Computational Neuroscience (CRCNS) program, which advances cutting-edge research in brain function and computational neuroscience. This initiative supports interdisciplinary approaches to understanding neural systems.
On September 14, 2023, the United States and Germany held the inaugural U.S.-Germany Space Dialogue, advancing collaboration in space exploration, satellite technology, and space security. This dialogue promotes joint efforts in planetary science, climate monitoring, and managing space debris, while advancing international norms for responsible space operations.
CLIMATE & ENERGY
In July 2021, the United States and Germany launched the U.S.-Germany Climate and Energy Partnership to deepen collaboration on the policies and sustainable technologies needed to accelerate the global net-zero future. Notable outcomes of the Partnership include the first U.S.-Germany Climate and Energy Summit held in Pittsburgh September 2022, and the U.S.-German Clean Hydrogen Conference held in Berlin October 2023.
Beyond our strong bilateral partnership, the United States and Germany are also intensifying our cooperation to accelerate the clean energy transition and promote clean economic growth in emerging and developing economies. This includes leveraging and scaling-up our collective technical, policy, and financial support to catalyze investments in clean energy manufacturing and industrial decarbonization in developing countries, leveraging key international platforms such as the Climate Club and Clean Technology Fund.
GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT
The United States participated in the International Humanitarian Conference on Sudan, hosted by France, Germany, and the European Commission on April 15, 2024, to address the vital need for greater humanitarian assistance for the Sudanese people.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Germany’s Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) are strengthening their partnership through a Strategic Development Dialogue. This initiative focuses on joint efforts to tackle global challenges in climate change, food security, gender equality, health, and G7 development priorities.
The United States and Germany have worked closely across multiple presidencies of the G7 Food Security Working Group to support efforts to achieve long-term food and nutrition security. As most recently affirmed in the Apulia G7 Leaders’ Communiqué, both countries have committed to promoting and supporting multi-stakeholder programs to build climate resilience in our food systems. These programs include the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils, launched by the United States in partnership with the African Union and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Disturbing details emerged this week about AFL men’s football team GWS’ end-of-year event, themed “controversial couples”.
The AFL handed down a range of sanctions to the players involved, including fines and suspensions.
While those defending the players have suggested their actions were lighthearted and in the spirit of the season-end celebration, research has established a connection between rape jokes and sexual assault.
The AFL has a tarnished history when it comes to players perpetrating violence against women.
Despite pledging support for ending gender-based violence in Australia, this incident proves problematic cultural problems persist within AFL clubs.
What happened?
Following an anonymous tip-off to GWS management, it was revealed a number of players engaged in sexist, racist and degrading acts during an end-of-season event.
Hayne was sentenced to four years and nine months prison for raping a woman on the night of the 2018 NRL grand final but was released earlier this year after his convictions were overturned.
Players Connor Idun and Lachie Whitfield performed a skit involving slavery, while another pair simulated the September 11 terrorist attack on the Twin Towers.
It has also been reported a sketch involving Sean “Diddy” Combs — an American rapper currently jailed on charges of racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation — was performed.
Scholars and activists are working tirelessly to change public perceptions around violence against women. Jokes and skits themed around violence and sexual assault are harmful because they trivialise the immense harm gendered violence causes women and children.
The AFL’s woman problem
There are many historic examples of AFL players and athletes of other codes acting violently and disrespectfully towards women.
Numerous current and former players, who have faced criminal charges for assaults and sexual violence towards women, have been allowed to continue playing or retain their status as celebrated players.
Current AFL player Jordan De Goey has faced sexual assault allegations, and was briefly stood down by his club in 2021 after being charged with assault in the United States.
Recently, one of the AFL’s greatest former players, Wayne Carey, was set to be inducted as a legend in the New South Wales Football Hall of Fame, despite having a number of charges for assaulting women. However, the AFL did eventually block the move after public outcry.
The AFL, and parts of the media, often distinguish players’ violence against women from their achievements on the field. This allows men to continue playing or repair their public image.
In the case of the GWS players, the AFL’s sanctions indicate the code’s willingness to take a stance on breaches of conduct.
However, that the players believed their costumes and skits were acceptable in the first place indicates deep-seated issues in attitudes towards women.
In each of the costume examples, sexual and racial violence formed key elements of the “joke”, indicating the AFL’s education and training on equity and diversity is not working.
It is often suggested that boys and young men require positive role models and that AFL players fit the bill, although research is not clear on whether the gender of supportive adults is relevant.
At the moment, there is significant concern within the community about the influence of dangerous misogynist influencers on boys’ attitudes and behaviour towards women.
Research suggests that while some young men have the skills to be critical about the messages they receive about violence and sexism, they still experience pressure to live up to restrictive rules on what it means to be a “real man.”
Many Australians highly value AFL players’ skills and abilities on the field. This admiration and respect can also extend to their off-field lives.
But it doesn’t mean AFL players are beyond reproach.
More needs to be done
The impacts of men’s violence on their victims are horrific and myriad.
This year, the AFL partnered with Our Watch – a national leader in the primary prevention of violence against women and their children – to provide training to players and clubs and help them understand:
the link between gender inequality and violence against women
the role of sport in promoting gender equality
and what players can do to be active allies including taking action when they see or hear disrespect.
While this is promising, this education must result in changed behaviour, attitudes and accountability.
The Australian government has recently labelled violence against women a “national emergency”. Major sporting codes need to take a leading role in addressing it.
It’s time for the AFL to honestly confront their problems with misogyny and violence against women.
Stephanie Wescott receives funding from Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS)