NewzIntel.com

Category: Security

  • MIL-Evening Report: Palestinian supporters in NZ accuse Israel of ‘state piracy’ and condemn silence

    Asia Pacific Report

    Israel’s military attack and boarding of the humanitarian boat Madleen attempting to deliver food and medical aid to the besieged people of Gaza has been condemned by New Zealand Palestinian advocacy groups as a “staggering act of state piracy”.

    The vessel was in international waters, carrying aid workers, doctors, journalists, and supplies desperately needed by the 2 million population that Israel has systematically bombed, starved, and displaced.

    “This was not a military confrontation. It was the assault of an unarmed civilian aid ship by a state acting with total impunity,” said the group Thyme4Action.

    “This is piracy, it is state terror, and it is a genocidal act of war.

    Half of the 12 crew and passengers on board are French citizens and the volunteer group includes French-Palestinian European parliamentarian Rima Hassan and Swedish climate crisis activist Greta Thunberg and two journalists.

    They all made pre-recorded messages calling for international pressure on their governments against the Israeli state. The messages were posted on the Freedom Flotilla Coalition X page.

    The group Thyme4Action said in a media release that a regime engaged in genocide would send sends drones and armed commandos to detain civilians in international waters.

    Israel’s ‘total moral collapse’
    “We are witnessing the total moral collapse of a state, supported for years by Western governments to act with utter impunity, violate our global legal system, morality and principles.

    “No amount of spin or military propaganda can hide the cruelty of deliberately starving a population, targeting children, bombing hospitals and bakeries, and then violently stopping others from bringing aid.”

    Thyme4Action said the attack on the Madleen was not a separate incident — “it is part of the same campaign to eliminate Palestinian life, hope, and survival. It is why the International Court of Justice has already ruled that Israel is plausibly committing genocide.”

    “This is not complicated,” said the statement.

    French journalist Yanis Mhandi on board the Madleen . . . “I’ve been detained by Israeli forces while doing my job as a journalist.” Image: FFC screenshot APR

    “Israel has no legal authority in international waters. Under the United Nations Convention
    on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Israel’s boarding of a civilian aid ship beyond its territorial waters is an act of piracy, unlawful kidnapping, forcible abduction and armed
    aggression.

    Under international humanitarian law, deliberately blocking aid to a population facing
    starvation is a war crime.

    Under the Genocide Convention, when a state intentionally denies food, water, and
    medicine to a population it is bombing and displacing, this constitutes part of a genocidal
    campaign.”

    NZ silence condemned
    The advocacy group condemned the silence of the New Zealand government as being “no longer neutral”.

    The moment that the Freedom Flotilla Coalition lost communications with the Madleen as Israeli forces attacked the vessel. Image: FFC

    It demonstrated a shocking lack of respect for international law, for human rights, and for the safety of global humanitarian workers.

    “It reflects a broader decay in foreign policy — where selective outrage and Israeli
    exceptionalism undermine the credibility of everything New Zealand claims to stand for.”

    Thyme4Action called on the New Zealand government to:

    • Publicly condemn Israel’s illegal assault on the Madleen and its passengers;
    • Demand the immediate release of all aid workers, journalists, and civilians
    abducted by Israeli forces;
    • Suspend all diplomatic, military, and trade cooperation with Israel until it complies
    with international law; and
    • Support international accountability mechanisms, including referring Israel’s crimes
    to the International Criminal Court and backing enforcement of the ICJ’s provisional
    measures on genocide.

    “This has to stop. This is not just a crisis in Gaza,” said the statement.

    ‘Crisis of global morality’
    “It is a crisis of global morality, of international law, and of our basic shared humanity.

    “We stand with the people of Gaza. We stand with the brave souls aboard the Madleen, and
    we demand an end to this madness before the world forgets what it means to be human.

    “We need a government that stands for all that is right, not all that is wrong.

    “Aid is not terrorism. International waters are not Israel’s territory. And silence in the face of evil is complicity.”

    Pro-Palestinian supporters in New Zealand have held protests against the genocide and demanding a ceasefire right across the country at multiple locations for the past 87 weeks.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Fatal crash – Girraween

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Emergency Services responded to a fatal crash at a property in Girraween this morning.

    Around 11:20am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of an off-road buggy crash at a property, involving two youths and one adult male.

    Police and St John Ambulance attended and commenced CPR on the 40-year-old male; however, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.

    Both youths were uninjured and did not require further medical assistance.

    A report will be prepared for the coroner.

    MIL OSI News –

  • The Government Of The Day Is Handicapped; It Can’t Register an FIR because there is a Judicial order: Vice-President

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    lign=”center”>Motion to remove the judge is the answer? If there has been a crime, a culpable act, Why wasn’t it punished? questions VP
    Permission to file FIR Could Have Been Given on the Very First Day; It Could Have Been Given at Least After the Report, stresses VP
    Committee of Judges Can not Substitute FIR or Constitutional Removal Mechanism for Judges: Vice-President
    We Have Lost More Than Three Months, And The Investigation Has Not Even Been Initiated, says VP
    Has money influenced the Judiciary in judicial work?, questions VP
    If The Temple Of Justice Is So Sacrileged, So Tainted, So Besmirched… Then, Where Would People Go For Justice?, asks VP
    Lawyers Of The Bar Are Custodians Of The Rule of Law, says VP
    The People’s Confidence… Will Be Restored — Only By Very Thorough Investigation, Proper Investigation, Scientific Investigation, highlights VP
    Surely The Cash Will Not Come Without A Purpose. And The Purpose Can’t Be Legitimate, Says VP

    The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, today said, “The Government of the day is handicapped. It can’t register an FIR. Because there is a judicial order. And that judicial order is more than three decades old. It provides virtually impregnable cover. Unless permission is accorded by a functionary at the highest level in the judiciary, an FIR can’t be registered. So I pose a question to myself, in deep pain, worried, concerned, in anguish — why was that permission not given? That was the minimum that could have been done on the earliest occasion.”

    He further said, “I have raised the issue. Ultimately, if a motion is brought to remove a judge, is that the answer? If there has been a crime, a culpable act shaking the foundations of democracy — the rule of law, why wasn’t it punished? We have lost more than three months, and the investigation has not even been initiated. Whenever you go to court, they ask why the FIR was delayed.”

    Shri Dhankhar further stated, “Does the committee of judges have a constitutional sanction? Does it have statutory sanction? Can this report result in any outcome? Can this report, by itself, be actionable? If a judge removal mechanism is there, the Constitution says this removal mechanism can be initiated either in the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha. This is the only way. Then this committee cannot substitute for an FIR investigation. Now, the separation of powers. Penal thing has to follow it. If we have to lay claim on democracy, on the rule of law, equality before law, let me tell you — even the President of India and the Governors — they have immunity from prosecution only till they are in office. No other body has it. No other in the country, no other constitutional office has this immunity, and that too while in office. Now, how can we have a mechanism that such a crime — a culpable act — revealed from a document revealed by the Supreme Court, that there was a cash haul.”

    The Vice-President said, “I find it very soothing and must congratulate you that the bar associations in the country are active on it. I hope an FIR is filed. One, that permission could have been given on the very first day. It should have been. A compulsive, expedient situation should have been there, because the mechanism evolved is the same. Second, it could have been given at least after the report. Could it have been given on the judicial side? What happened on the judicial side — it is there. I gather from the public domain — money spending.”

    Shri Dhankhar further said, “While I have appreciated the former Chief Justice for putting those documents in the public domain, so what we say, there was a cash haul, because the report says — the report was put in the public domain by the Supreme Court. Let us not destroy the idea of democracy. Let us not dilute our ethical standards so low. Let us not decimate integrity.”

    Interacting with members of the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association in Chandigarh today, the Vice-President said, “Judicial system at the moment, because of a very painful incident that happened mid-March in Delhi at the residence of a sitting judge, there was a cash haul, obviously tainted, unaccounted, illegal. And unexplained! The intervention is very significant. One, it appeared in the public domain after 6-7 days. Imagine if it had not appeared. So, we don’t know whether it is isolated or if there are other instances. Now, whenever tainted, unaccounted, unexplained cash haul is there, the system has to move to find out whose money is this? And what is the money trail? Where did this loose cash come from? Are there big sharks? Has the money influenced the Judiciary in judicial work? All these issues are agitating not only the minds of lawyers but also people on the street. But let the lid be blown off the can of worms. Let these skeletons in the cupboards come out. Why was there no FIR? Why has there been no investigation at all?”

    Shri Dhankhar stated, “I’m so happy that our Bar associations are picking up the issue. But the confidence of the people is very fundamental in all institutions. All I am saying is, the thought that it will die down, that it will not get media attention, that people have short memories, and those actors, sharks who are culpable, postures that indicate the highest criminality. We must not be sparing them. The people’s confidence, I’m sure, will be restored — I don’t know to what extent — but only by very thorough investigation, proper investigation, scientific investigation — the investigation that will expose, to public satisfaction, the original source of money, the money trail, the people involved, the beneficiaries, and the purpose.”

    The Vice-President recollected, “If you know a famous case — Sarwan Singh v. State of Punjab, 1957 — the gap between establishing the truth is sometimes very thin. The distance between ‘may be true’ and ‘must be true’ is very thin. But this thin distance has to be negotiated by evidence of unimpeachable veracity. So I put innocence at a very high level. I am not aware of who is guilty. But one thing is for sure — a crime of great enormity, shaking the foundations of the Judiciary and democracy, has taken place. I hope it will be addressed”

    Shri Dhankhar stated, “As a former President of the Rajasthan High Court Bar Association, probably this is the first time this happened — that we got together. So lawyers in such bodies are watchdogs of democracy. And in democracy, nothing matters more than proper investigation, proper findings, getting to the source, the original source of the tainted, unaccounted, illegal cash. Surely the cash will not come without a purpose. And the purpose can’t be legitimate. Lord Denning, a great judge, quoted Fuller. Fuller is from 350 years from now: “Be ye never so high, the law is above you.” Now, those who have to enforce the law are also subject to the law.”

    Highlighting that courts are a temple of justice, Shri Dhankhar said, “For lawyers, nothing is more important than the purity of the system where you work. That is why we call it the temple of justice. Now, if the temple of justice is so sacrileged, so tainted, so besmirched that people come very close to losing faith, then where would people go for justice? Before we inflict more injuries on the soul of Bharat — it’s written in a sense of democracy — I hope things will take shape.

    He further said, “All I’m saying is that our judges need protection. Because judges make tough decisions. Judges decide against the Executive. The Executive in any democracy is a mighty power. So judges have to be fearless and independent. They cannot be subjected in a routine way. But now what has happened is — even judges’ premises are sacrosanct. Any crime happening therein is not subject to investigation unless a sanction is given.”

    The Vice-President said, “Now, if this institution is clouded, smoked, then one gets an idea. We don’t know how many skeletons are in the cupboard. Then another worry — stories are going around. Names are floating on whose money is it? Maybe it is not their money. So, proper investigation will also save the reputation of many, many who are being doubted. Because a criminal investigation must nab only the accused and prove the guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Because people can’t put pressure. Bar associations can. We have a role to play in this society. You are stakeholders. Ultimately, you’ll be the sufferers. You help people access courts. Members of the bar, you do your utmost to secure the dispensation of justice in the right way. If faith in what you are assisting with is shaken, there will be no way.”

    Signifying the importance of the Bar Association, the Vice-President said, “The Body of Lawyers and Bar Associations is, in a sense, custodians of the rule of law. They are watchdogs of democracy, and when the system is challenged, there is an obligation on members of the Bar. There have been times when lawyers play a key role, and that is why in our democracy, we have a separation of powers, which means the Executive will do its role, the Legislature will do its role, and the Judiciary will do its role. The critical issue is, judgments have to be given by judges. They can’t be scripted by the Legislature. I am Chairman, Rajya Sabha, you can’t script a judgment. Am I right? Similarly, the job that we do can’t be done by the Executive or the Judiciary.”

    Shri Dhankhar further said, “The Bar Association of the Punjab and Haryana High Court is unique in the entire country. Two States, One Union Territory, very, very important Bar Association. The same is about the Bar Council. I had the good fortune to be the President of my association in Rajasthan, but that was the presidency of the bench at Jaipur. You are the president in the complete right. Whenever I have appeared in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, it has always been a pleasure to come to this place because the Bar has a long tradition. Members of the Bar have been instrumental in getting us freedom. During the freedom struggle, top lawyers ignored their real practice in fiscal terms and devoted themselves to the nation.”

    Highlighting the importance of a democratic society, Shri Dhankhar said, “In a democratic society, the rule of law and equality in law are compromised — seriously, severely, if some people are above the law, beyond scrutiny, beyond investigation. Secondly, yours is a very important High Court, covering a huge jurisdictional area of two states and a Union Territory. The Chief Justice of the High Court, apart from judicial work, also has to do administrative work. And the administrative work is very large. Same about Haryana.”

    The Vice-President said, “I believe the greatest power of Indian citizens is to be treated as innocent till proven guilty. So I don’t want to suggest someone is guilty. But let the investigation be there. It should be proved. Definitely. We don’t know how many people will be there once we break the curtain.”

    He further added, “Purpose is equally important because if it is related to judicial work, if judgment can be influenced by money bags, that day at least, I do not wish to see. And no Member of Parliament would love to see it—unless one is part of it.”

    In conclusion, Shri Dhankhar said, “Let me tell you, I have travelled all over the world. On intelligence, our judges are the best. In hard work, our judges are the best. When they lose confidence in everybody — the executive, and I would say even in organizations to which I belong, but they trust the Judiciary. Because they know, a judge is a reincarnation of God. He will do justice. And there also, they draw a distinction. A sitting judge, in public perception, I don’t subscribe to it, carries greater weightage than a judge under oath will certainly do justice.”

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Supporting mental health services for young people

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Our CBR is the ACT Government’s key channel to connect with Canberrans and keep you up-to-date with what’s happening in the city. Our CBR includes a monthly print edition, email newsletter and website.

    You can easily opt in or out of the newsletter subscription at any time.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Can Israel still claim self-defence to justify its Gaza war? Here’s what the law says

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Donald Rothwell, Professor of International Law, Australian National University

    On October 7 2023, more than 1,000 Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel and went on a killing spree, murdering 1,200 men, women and children and abducting another 250 people to take back to Gaza. It was the deadliest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust.

    That day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the country, “Israel is at war”. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) immediately began a military campaign to secure the release of the hostages and defeat Hamas. Since that day, more than 54,000 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children.

    Israel has maintained its response is justified under international law, as every nation has “an inherent right to defend itself”, as Netanyahu stated in early 2024.

    This is based on the right to self-defence in international law, which is outlined in Article 51 of the 1945 United Nations Charter as follows:

    Nothing in the present Charter shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations[…]

    At the start of the war, many nations agreed Israel had a right to defend itself, but how it did so mattered. This would ensure its actions were consistent with international humanitarian law.

    However, 20 months after the October 7 attacks, fundamental legal issues have arisen around whether this self-defence justification still holds.

    Can Israel exercise self-defence ad infinitum? Or is it now waging a war of aggression against Palestine?

    Self-defence in the law

    Self-defence has a long history in international law.

    The modern principles of self-defence were outlined in diplomatic exchanges over an 1837 incident involving an American ship, The Caroline, after it was destroyed by British forces in Canada. Both sides agreed that an exercise of self-defence would have required the British to demonstrate their conduct was not “unreasonable or excessive”.

    The concept of self-defence was also extensively relied on by the Allies in the second world war in response to German and Japanese aggression.

    Self-defence was originally framed in the law as a right to respond to a state-based attack. However, this scope has broadened in recent decades to encompass attacks from non-state actors, such as al-Qaeda following the September 11 2001 terror attacks.

    Israel is a legitimate, recognised state in the global community and a member of the United Nations. Its right to self-defence will always remain intact when it faces attacks from its neighbours or non-state actors, such as Hamas, Hezbollah or the Houthi rebels in Yemen.

    However, the right of self-defence is not unlimited. It is constrained by the principles of necessity and proportionality.

    The necessity test was met in the current war due to the extreme violence of the Hamas attack on October 7 and the taking of hostages. These were actions that could not be ignored and demanded a response, due to the threat Israel continued to face.

    The proportionality test was also met, initially. Israel’s military operation after the attack was strategic in nature, focused on the return of the hostages and the destruction of Hamas to eliminate the immediate threat the group posed.

    The legal question now is whether Israel is still legitimately exercising self-defence in response to the October 7 attacks.

    This is a live issue, especially given comments by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz on May 30 that Hamas would be “annihilated” unless a proposed ceasefire deal was accepted.

    These comments and Israel’s ongoing conduct throughout the war raise the question of whether proportionality is still being met.

    A test of proportionality

    The importance of proportionality in self-defence has been endorsed in recent years by the International Court of Justice.

    Under international law, proportionality remains relevant throughout a conflict, not just in the initial response to an attack.

    While the law allows a war to continue until an aggressor surrenders, it does not legitimise the complete destruction of the territory where an aggressor is fighting.

    The principle of proportionality also provides protections for civilians. Military actions are to be directed at the foreign forces who launched the attack, not civilians.

    While Israel has targeted Hamas fighters in its attacks, including those who orchestrated the October 7 attacks, these actions have caused significant collateral deaths of Palestinian civilians.

    Therefore, taken overall, the ongoing, 20-month military assault against Hamas, with its high numbers of civilian casualties, credible reports of famine and devastation of Gazan towns and cities, suggests Israel’s exercise of self-defence has become disproportionate.

    The principle of proportionality is also part of international humanitarian law. However, Israel’s actions on this front are a separate legal issue that has been the subject of investigation by the International Criminal Court.

    My aim here is to solely assess the legal question of proportionality in self-defence and international law.

    Is rescuing hostages in self-defence?

    Israel could separately argue it is exercising legitimate self-defence to rescue the remaining hostages held by Hamas.

    However, rescuing nationals as an exercise of self-defence is legally controversial. Israel set a precedent in 1976 when the military rescued 103 Jewish hostages from Entebbe, Uganda, after their aircraft had been hijacked.

    In current international law, there are very few other examples in which this interpretation of self-defence has been adopted – and no international consensus on its use.

    In Gaza, the size, scale and duration of Israel’s war goes far beyond a hostage rescue operation. Its aim is also to eliminate Hamas.

    Given this, rescuing hostages as an act of self-defence is arguably not a suitable justification for Israel’s ongoing military operations.

    An act of aggression?

    If Israel can no longer rely on self-defence to justify its Gaza military campaign, how would its actions be characterised under international law?

    Israel could claim it is undertaking a security operation as an occupying power.

    While the International Court of Justice said in an advisory opinion last year that Israel was engaged in an illegal occupation of Gaza, the court expressly made clear it was not addressing the circumstances that had evolved since October 7.

    Israel is indeed continuing to act as an occupying power, even though it has not physically reoccupied all of Gaza. This is irrelevant given the effective control it exercises over the territory.

    However, the scale of the IDF’s operations constitute an armed conflict and well exceed the limited military operations to restore security as an occupying power.

    Absent any other legitimate basis for Israel’s current conduct in Gaza, there is a strong argument that what is occurring is an act of aggression. The UN Charter and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court prohibit acts of aggression not otherwise justified under international law.

    These include invasions or attacks by the armed forces of a state, military occupations, bombardments and blockades. All of this has occurred – and continues to occur – in Gaza.

    The international community has rightly condemned Russia’s invasion as an act of aggression in Ukraine. Will it now do the same with Israel’s conduct in Gaza?

    Donald Rothwell receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    – ref. Can Israel still claim self-defence to justify its Gaza war? Here’s what the law says – https://theconversation.com/can-israel-still-claim-self-defence-to-justify-its-gaza-war-heres-what-the-law-says-257822

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Man arrested following building site burglaries

    Source: New Zealand Police

    A 42-year-old man has been arrested and charged following an investigation into a series of burglaries across North Canterbury and Selwyn.

    On Monday 9 June, three search warrants were executed, two at residential addresses and one at a storage unit.

    CCTV supplied by the public and from building sites helped identify the person of interest; acknowledged by Police as being crucial in bringing this investigation to a successful conclusion.

    Burglaries at building sites cause significant disruption and financial loss to builders, contractors, and future homeowners.

    Police urge the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity around construction sites.

    The man has been bailed to appear on 13 June at Christchurch District Court.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Advocacy – Palestine Forum of New Zealand Calls for Safe Passage of Madleen and Urgent Sanctions Against Israel

    Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand

    The Palestine Forum of New Zealand strongly condemns the violent interception of the Madleen, a civilian aid vessel attempting to deliver essential humanitarian aid to the besieged people of Gaza, by the Israeli military. We demand the immediate safe passage of the vessel and call upon the New Zealand Government to urgently implement meaningful sanctions against Israel for its ongoing war crimes and illegal occupation of Palestine.

    “The Madleen was carrying life-saving aid to a population enduring unimaginable suffering under Israel’s illegal siege. Its interception is a flagrant violation of international law and a direct attack on humanitarian principles,” said a spokesperson for the Palestine Forum of New Zealand.

    The unlawful blockade of Gaza — now in its 18th year — has turned the region into what human rights organisations have described as the world’s largest open-air prison. The systematic denial of aid, food, water, fuel, and medical supplies is part of Israel’s ongoing campaign of collective punishment against the Palestinian people.

    Palestine Forum of New Zealand reiterates the following urgent demands:

    • Immediate safe passage for the Madleen and all humanitarian vessels to Gaza.

    • The New Zealand Government is to impose targeted sanctions against Israel, including an end to military, economic, and diplomatic cooperation.

    • Support for the Unlawful Occupation of Palestine Sanctions Bill and pressure on Parliament to prioritise it for debate.

    • Active support for international legal mechanisms, including the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, to hold Israel accountable for its war crimes and crimes against humanity.

    “Aotearoa cannot remain silent while innocent people are bombed, starved, and denied medical care. New Zealand has a proud history of standing on the side of justice — from opposing apartheid in South Africa to advocating for nuclear-free policies. It’s time our government showed the same moral courage for Palestine,” the spokesperson added.

    The Palestine Forum of New Zealand stands in unwavering solidarity with the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the Madleen crew, and the people of Gaza. It will continue to amplify the call for justice, dignity, and the right of return for all Palestinians.

    Maher Nazzal
    Palestine Forum of New Zealand

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: From whisper to warrant: $4.4 million of illicit tobacco seized

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    The Australian Taxation Office (ATO), with support from Victoria Police, has seized and destroyed over 20 tonnes of illicit tobacco from a property North-East of Shepparton, Victoria.

    On Thursday 5 June a search warrant revealed a mature tobacco crop spanning nearly 6 acres, the equivalent of approximately 456 tennis courts. Officers also seized several trays of tobacco seedlings from the property.

    The estimated excise value of the illicit tobacco uncovered under Operation Ocean is $4.4 million.

    ATO Assistant Commissioner Jade Hawkins commended the results of the operation, with the destruction of tobacco crops showing the ATO’s removing illicit tobacco from the community.

    ‘Detecting, disrupting and dismantling the illicit tobacco trade is a priority for the ATO.’

    ‘These operations are run by criminal syndicates, not farmers or producers. They put the Australian community at risk when they use profits from these activities to fund other serious crimes.’

    ‘Involvement in illicit tobacco production is a serious offence. There are hefty penalties for possessing, selling, buying, manufacturing, or producing illicit tobacco, including jail terms for up to 10 years imprisonment.’

    ‘This type of activity takes vital money away from the community and places it directly into the hands of organised criminals who mistakenly think they can sail under the radar,’ Ms Hawkins said.

    Operation Ocean adds to the 90 completed illicit tobacco operational activities between 1 July 2018 and 30 June 2024.

    ‘A wave of illicit tobacco has been stopped in its tracks, with this warrant activity surfacing thanks to a tip-off from the community,’ Ms Hawkins said.

    Community tip-offs are one of the ATO’s best sources of information as they provide crucial information to assist in the fight against illicit tobacco.

    It’s illegal to grow tobacco in Australia without the appropriate excise licence and currently no one is licensed to do so.

    Signs that land is being used to grow, manufacture or produce illicit tobacco include:

    • construction activities along creeks and rivers on private and public land
    • unexplained and potentially unlawful use of water resources
    • vans with no markings being loaded with cardboard boxes, at odd hours of the day and night
    • the sound of machinery running overnight
    • excessive security measures such as cameras, locks or guards.

    If you suspect that illicit tobacco is being grown, manufactured, or sold in your community, you can confidentially report it to the ATO online at ato.gov.au/tipoff, or phone 1800 060 062.

    Visit ato.gov.au/illicittobacco to learn more about the signs of tobacco plants and what to look out for in your community.

    Images

    Notes to journalists

    • Between 1 July 2018 and 30 June 2024, our Illicit Tobacco team completed 90 operational activities. These included 19 Illicit Tobacco Taskforce (whole of government) operations, 31 ATO specific operations and 40 state law enforcement support operations.
    • These operations resulted in:
      • 627 acres of illicit tobacco crops located, seized and destroyed with a total weight of 3,746,240 kilograms
      • 39,224 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco located, seized and destroyed
      • 21,759,340 cigarettes located, seized and destroyed
      • total estimated equivalent tobacco duty foregone value of above $723 million.
    • From July 2018 to January 2025 there have been 30 convictions by the ATO for illicit tobacco with sentences ranging up to 3 years imprisonment.
    • A high-resolution headshotThis link will download a file of Assistant Commissioner Jade Hawkins is available for download from our media centre.
    • ATO stock footage and images are available for use in news bulletins from our media centre.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Local artists take centre stage in 2025 Art Awards

    Source: South Australia Police

    Anna Speirs has been awarded the top honour at the City of Wanneroo Community Art Awards and Exhibition, receiving the grand prize for her captivating painting, Moonlight Solitude.

    Anna was among 15 talented artists recognised in the 2025 Community Art Awards, sharing in a total prize pool of $19,900.

    There were 135 entries to this year’s awards, which included 88 paintings, 21 works on paper, 13 photo, film and digital pieces and 13 sculptures.

    This year’s judging panel included:

    • Emma Bitmead, Curator of Historical Art at the Art Gallery of Western Australia
    • Paul Uhlman, Associate Professor and Coordinator of Visual Arts and Printmaking at Edith Cowan University
    • Di Cubitt, Sessional Academic and Fine Art Unit Coordinator at Curtin University.

    Sandra Murray, Artistic Director and Lead Curator for Sculpture and Bathers, was the Guest Curator for this Community Art Awards exhibition.

    Mayor Linda Aitken said this year’s Art Awards once again highlighted the depth of creativity and talent within our community.

    “We’re proud to host this exhibition each year, celebrating local talent and providing emerging artists the opportunity to showcase their skills and storytelling methods,” she said.

    “Each piece tells a story and collectively, the exhibition reflects the diversity, imagination and passion of our community.”

    Visit the exhibition on until Saturday 26 July 2025 at the Wanneroo Regional Gallery, open Wednesdays to Saturdays, 10am to 4pm.

    Visitors can take part in the judging of the People’s Choice Award by nominating their favourite artwork, with the winner to be announced by mid-August.

    PRIZES

    City of Wanneroo Open Award (acquisitive)

    Artist: Anna Speirs

    Title: Moonlight solitude

    Medium: oil on wood panel

    Judges’ comments: This is a quiet, reflective work. The medium of oil paint has been lovingly applied with subtle gradations of light. Contemplative, this work draws you in to the space and beyond. A moment of stillness and solitude in a busy world. The window, as a devise in art history, is often used as a bridge between two worlds. In this instance the judges sensed the two worlds between the transition between childhood, adolescence into adulthood and this idea of indiscernible transitions.

    Best City of Wanneroo Resident

    Artist: Jeremy Blank

    Title: Trail Walk to Yanchep

    Medium: iPad drawing, digital print on archival cotton rag

    Judges’ comments: Skilful use of iPad drawing creates layered composition relating to movement through the local landscape. The use of digital medium creates a fluid, embodied composition. Drawing on digital media to create this image, it has the sense of the haptic tradition of mark marking.

    Highly Commended City of Wanneroo Resident

    Artist: Veta Holmes

    Title: Urban view

    Medium: Linoprint on paper

    Judges’ comments: This work appears to come from the graphic novel tradition where the landscape itself holds the drama of the narrative. This is the scene where it’s about to happen. An imminent moment, it has an emotional power. Technically proficient use of lino to create a dramatic scene and compelling image.

    Painting Winner

    Artist: Lucy Oosterhoff

    Title: The Binge

    Medium: Mixed media

    Judges’ comments: All kinds of everyday objects, such as a fork or a glass, appear in a state of transformation. One has the feeling that the sitter is undergoing an emotional metamorphosis or change. The use of the light is powerful and skilfully executed. Lucy shows a growing understanding of the painting language, and the judges were highly impressed by her understanding of materials and composition.

    Painting Highly Commended

    Artist: Charlotte Robinson

    Title: Ely

    Medium: Acrylic on canvas

    Judges’ comments: Distorted image shifts our point of view pushing the composition towards abstraction. Part of what is interesting is the distortion of the face and the emotional interplay extending and becoming part of the external environment. The direct handling of the media, incorporating charcoal over acrylic, adds to the expressive qualities.

    Sculpture Winner

    Artist: Angela Delury

    Title: Toby

    Medium: Mixed media

    Judges’ comments: The clever use of recycled materials manifests in a whimsical cross between robot and toy. Drawing on a cinematic tradition of robots, the corner shop and nostalgia for a not-quite-realised past.

    Sculpture Highly Commended

    Artist: Laural Holyoak

    Title: Angler Fish

    Medium: Earthenware clay, underglaze, gold lustre

    Judges’ comments: Bioluminescence is the key factor to the success of this predator fish. Skilful use of medium and glazing has been used to create a compelling yet repelling form.

    Works on Paper Winner

    Artist: Amy Marshall

    Title: The joy of just watching you sleep

    Medium: Pencil, charcoal and water-soluble graphite on paper

    Judges’ comments: Sensitive work. The text reinforces a love of the child by the mother. Here we have a storied landscape of love and great tenderness.

    Works on Paper Highly Commended

    Artist: Linda Fardoe

    Title: Looking up

    Medium: Graphite pencil on Camson paper

    Judges’ comments: The artist writes the landscape with this work. The erasure of lines creates a living, pulsating environment.

    Photo, Film and Digital Media Winner

    Artist: Clinton Price

    Title: Facing the day

    Medium: Film photography

    Judges’ comments: The artist captures a fleeting moment of a fellow passenger on the daily commute, finding transcendence in the everyday.

    Photo, Film and Digital Media Highly Commended

    Artist: Audra de Pina

    Title: Be still

    Medium: Photography print on fine art lustre paper

    Judges’ comments: Range of subtle tones and image of mist, air and deep reflection.

    Youth Winner

    Artist: Isabella Pitt

    Title: Me 3 years ago

    Medium: Oil on board

    Judges’ comments: This painting reveals the turbulence of adolescence the close up topography of the artists face. The combination of brush strokes and tonal shift of paint weave together an interesting surface.

    Youth Highly Commended

    Artist: Allyda Nithasha

    Title: Severed

    Medium: Drawing

    Judges’ comments: Biro drawing appears to describe the emotional state and inner conflict of the sitter to create a compelling image.

    Celebrating Wanneroo Winner

    Artist: Ernie Feldmann

    Title: Dry Creek Bed, Pilbara

    Medium: Watercolour

    Judges’ comments: Lyrical sunrise in the Pilbara with lively gums and patterned earth depicts nature in a state of agitated flux.

    Celebrating Wanneroo Highly Commended

    Artist: Jaqueline Glaser

    Title: The Visitor

    Medium: Acrylic

    Judges’ comments: Lived experience and memory blend with this honest sense of direct observation which verges on naïve visual poetry.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Appeal for information following fatal crash

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police investigating a fatal crash on the Desert Road/State Highway 1 on Saturday 7 June are seeking information from witnesses.

    The crash was reported to Police just before 1:10pm.

    We’re interested to hear from anyone who saw a yellow Suzuki Swift travelling southbound on State Highway 1 near Turangi at around 1pm.

    This includes any dashcam or CCTV footage that could assist our enquiries.

    If you have information, please contact Police on 105 either over the phone or online, and reference file number 250607/5123.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Greens call for safe passage of Madleen and Government to sanction Israel

    Source: Green Party

    The Green Party is calling for the safe passage of the Madleen, a civilian aid vessel on course to Gaza, following the Freedom Flotilla being seized by the Israeli Military and urging the New Zealand Government to sanction Israel for its illegal occupation of Palestine. 

    “The Green Party is calling for the safe passage of the Madleen and for the New Zealand Government to step up and sanction Israel for its violent occupation of Palestine and continued disregard for international law,” says Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson.

    “The Madleen was trying to get much-needed humanitarian aid into Gaza, and has been intercepted by the Israeli Military in international waters. This seizure blatantly violates international law and defies the International Court of Justice’s binding orders requiring unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza.

    “Weaponising critical humanitarian aid must stop. Shooting at innocent people lining up for kai must stop. Aotearoa New Zealand cannot remain a bystander to the slaughter of innocent people in Gaza.

    “I was on a peace flotilla for Gaza almost ten years ago and it pains me to still see the need for one all these years later. 

    “If we stand for human rights and peace and justice, our Parliament must act. The New Zealand Government must sanction Israel and can do so by supporting Chlöe Swarbrick’s Member’s Bill. All we need is the support of six Government MPs to make this happen.

    “In September, Aotearoa joined 123 UN Member States to support a resolution calling for sanctions against those responsible for Israel’s ‘unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in relation to settler violence.’

    “Our Government has since done nothing to fulfil that commitment. Our Unlawful Occupation of Palestine Sanctions Bill starts that very basic process.

    “The Green Party stands with the Madleen and will continue to fight for the people of Palestine,” says Marama Davidson.

    NOTES TO EDITORS:

    • In 2016, Marama Davidson was a part of the Women’s Boat to Gaza which brought awareness to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and highlighted the crucial role of women in keeping their communities afloat, particularly in post-conflict situations.
    • Standing Order 288 outlines the process for Member’s Bills to bypass the member’s bill ballot (colloquially known as the ‘biscuit tin’), with the support of 61 non-executive members. With 55 Opposition members now officially in support of Swarbrick’s Unlawful Occupation of Palestine Sanctions Bill, the support of just 6 Government MPs are necessary to get the Bill onto the floor of Parliament.
    • On 10th December 2024, Swarbrick wrote to all Members of Parliament asking their support for the Bill to bypass the ballot, and later asked the Prime Minister in the House if there would be any Government policy or position preventing MPs from exercising their democratic right to support the Bill bypassing the ballot. He said that he would have a “good look at the Bill”.
    • In the tenth emergency session of the United Nations General Assembly on 18 September 2024, NZ joined 123 other member states in supporting United Nations General Assembly Resolution ES-10/24 “Advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the legal consequences arising from Israel’s policies and practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and from the illegality of Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory”.
    • This resolution affirmed the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice regarding Israel’s actions and presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, called upon all states to comply with their obligations under international law, and, amongst other actions, called upon all States to implement sanctions, including travel bans and asset freezes, against natural and legal persons engaged in the maintenance of Israel’s unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in relation to settler violence.
    • This Bill implements a sanctions framework, duplicating the Russia Sanctions Act, to allow sanctions to be imposed by the Government against Israel in response to Israel’s unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
    • The Bill implements some initial sanctions against Israeli Ministers, Israeli MPs who have supported the occupation, and military leadership, as well as sanctions on assets and services relating to arms and assets and services that are of economic or strategic importance to Israel.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Russia shoots down 131 Ukrainian drones in 24 hours

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

    Russian air defenses shot down 131 Ukrainian drones in the last 24 hours, including 73 devices outside the air defense zone, the Defense Ministry said on Sunday.

    The ministry further said that the drones were destroyed over the Tula, Bryansk, Kaluga, Oryol, Belgorod, Kursk, and Moscow regions as well as Crimea.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Operation cracks down on antisocial road user behaviour in Invercargill

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Southern District Police issued numerous infringements and ordered multiple vehicles off the road over the weekend in an operation targeting antisocial road user behaviour.

    In an operation running over Friday and Saturday nights (6-7 June), Police pulled over 161 vehicles, 54 were sent for inspection, issued 12 green stickers and 16 pink stickers. Police were out in force across the Invercargill area, working to disrupt gatherings and target illegal activity.

    The enforcement action was supported by VTNZ, and the operation consisted of Police staff from the Impairment Prevention Team, the Road Policing Group, and Commercial Vehicle Safety Team.

    Southland Area Road Policing Manager Senior Sergeant Scott MacKenzie says district staff pulled together and worked hard over the weekend to curb any illegal behaviour and keep our communities safe.

    “The number of vehicles ordered off the road really surprised us; coupled with the fact that only eight of the 54 vehicles inspected were found without any faults.

    “In total the teams stopped 161 vehicles, of which those with numerous and or serious faults came in at 33.5 percent – one third of all cars stopped should not have been on the road,” Senior Sergeant MacKenzie said.

    “We’ve been very clear – we have no tolerance for this behaviour and the havoc it wreaks in our communities.

    Senior Sergeant MacKenzie said he and his colleagues are “all too familiar” with the devastating impacts that can occur when driving recklessly or at speed, along with the fact that many of these vehicles are unsafe to travel in.

    “We’re the ones having to visit families and deliver awful news about their loved ones being involved in serious incidents resulting in injury or death.

    “That’s what motivates us. We don’t want to be the people having to deliver that news. It’s absolutely tragic, and absolutely avoidable.

    “Police are sending a message to anyone participating in antisocial road user behaviour – we are ready and waiting, and you can expect us to take action.”

    We continue to encourage anyone who witnesses this type of activity to report it to Police.

    Please call 111 if it is happening now, or you can make a report after the fact through our 105 service.

    If you have information you’d like to share anonymously, please call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 9, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 9, 2025.

    Israeli forces intercept Gaza freedom aid boat Madleen – cut communications
    Pacific Media Watch Contact has been lost with the Gaza Freedom Flotilla humanitarian aid boat Madleen after Israeli commandos intercepted it in international waters. The commandos demanded that everyone on board turn off their phones, and the boat lost contact with Al Jazeera Mubasher journalist Omar Faiad as well as its live feed, reports the

    NZ homes are notorious for being cold and damp. Here are 4 ways to make yours feel warmer this winter
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Tookey, Professor of Construction Management, Auckland University of Technology New Zealand has just been hit by the first big cold snap of 2025 and, like every year, many New Zealanders will be reaching for an extra jumper, slippers and maybe a blanket to try and keep

    2-million-year-old pitted teeth from our ancient relatives reveal secrets about human evolution
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Towle, Research Fellow in Biological Anthropology, Monash University Ian Towle / The Conversation The enamel that forms the outer layer of our teeth might seem like an unlikely place to find clues about evolution. But it tells us more than you’d think about the relationships between

    Curious Kids: Why do dolphins jump out of the water?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katharina J. Peters, Lecturer in Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong Will Falcon/Shutterstock Why do dolphins jump out of the water? Charlize, age 8, Melbourne Have you ever seen images of dolphins jumping out of the waves and performing impressive acrobatics in the air? Or maybe you’ve seen

    How Trump’s trade war is supercharging the fast fashion industry
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mona Mashhadi Rajabi, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Technology Sydney Jade Gao/Getty Images When US President Donald Trump introduced sweeping new tariffs on Chinese imports the goal was to bring manufacturing back to American soil and protect local jobs. However, this process of re-shoring is complex and

    Can Israel still claim self-defence to justify its Gaza war? Here’s what the law says
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Donald Rothwell, Professor of International Law, Australian National University On October 7 2023, more than 1,000 Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel and went on a killing spree, murdering 1,200 men, women and children and abducting another 250 people to take back to Gaza. It was the

    Measles cases are surging globally. Should children be vaccinated earlier?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Meru Sheel, Associate Professor, Infectious Diseases, Immunisation and Emergencies (IDIE) Group, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney EyeEm Mobile GmbH/Getty Images Measles has been rising globally in recent years. There were an estimated 10.3 million cases worldwide in 2023, a 20% increase from 2022. Outbreaks

    What can you do if you don’t like your child’s friends?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachael Murrihy, Director, The Kidman Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney Getty Images/ Wander Woman Collective Many parents will be familiar with this situation: your child has a good or even best friend, but you don’t like them. Perhaps the friend is bossy, has poor

    Immortality at a price: how the promise of delaying death has become a consumer marketing bonanza
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amy Errmann, Senior Lecturer, Marketing & International Business, Auckland University of Technology Living forever has become the wellness and marketing trend of the 2020s. But cheating death – or at least delaying it – will come at a price. What was once the domain of scientists and

    Why bystanders defend bad behaviour at work — even when they know it’s wrong
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Zhanna Lyubykh, Assistant Professor, Beedie School of Business, Simon Fraser University Rather than intervening, supporting targets or reporting the misconduct, bystanders may downplay it, withdraw support or even blame the target, which ultimately reinforces the mistreatment. (Shutterstock) “You always mess things up. Why are you even on

    Phil Goff: Israel doesn’t care how many innocent people it’s killing in Gaza
    COMMENTARY: By Phil Goff “What we are doing in Gaza now is a war of devastation: indiscriminate, limitless, cruel and criminal killing of civilians. It’s the result of government policy — knowingly, evilly, maliciously, irresponsibly dictated.” This statement was made not by a foreign or liberal critic of Israel but by the former Prime Minister

    New Zealand’s foreign policy stance on Palestine lacks transparency
    COMMENTARY: By John Hobbs It is difficult to understand what sits behind the New Zealand government’s unwillingness to sanction, or threaten to sanction, the Israeli government for its genocide against the Palestinian people. The United Nations, human rights groups, legal experts and now genocide experts have all agreed it really is “genocide” which is being

    The blow-up between Elon Musk and Donald Trump has been entertaining, but how did things go so bad, so fast?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Henry Maher, Lecturer in Politics, Department of Government and International Relations, University of Sydney A no-holds-barred and very public blow-up between the world’s richest man and the president of the United States has had social media agog in recent days, with each making serious accusations against the

    Gaza plea: RSF, CPJ and 150+ media outlets call on Israel to open Strip to foreign journalists, protect Palestinian reporters
    Pacific Media Watch More than 150 press freedom advocacy groups and international newsrooms have joined Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) in issuing a public appeal demanding that Israel grant foreign journalists immediate, independent and unrestricted access to the Gaza Strip. The organisations are also calling for the full protection

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: MoneyHero Group Expands Digital Asset Wealth Product Offerings in Hong Kong in Strategic Collaboration with OSL

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HONG KONG, June 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MoneyHero Limited (NASDAQ: MNY) (“MoneyHero” or the “Company”), a leading personal finance aggregation and comparison platform, as well as a digital insurance brokerage provider in Greater Southeast Asia, today announced a strategic collaboration with OSL Group Limited (HKEX: 863) (“OSL”), Asia’s leading regulated digital asset platform, to expand its digital asset wealth product offerings. This collaboration marks a key step as MoneyHero expands its wealth products offerings in Hong Kong to include digital asset-related services provided by Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (“SFC”)-licensed institutions, aiming to enhance financial wellbeing for consumers in Hong Kong.

    Through this collaboration, MoneyHero users can compare digital asset account products offered by leading SFC-licensed platforms like OSL, alongside insurance, stock, and bank account products, empowering them to make smarter and more informed financial decisions with a broader range of product choices. Hong Kong’s growing interest in digital assets reflects increasing demand for diversified financial solutions. According to data from Investor and Financial Education Council (IFEC)1, a subsidiary of the SFC, 8% of retail investors in Hong Kong invested in virtual assets and related products in 2023, up from just 1% in 2019, while 11% of retail investors showed intention to invest in these products – reflecting the growing direct participation and interest that MoneyHero and OSL are addressing.

    Rohith Murthy, CEO of MoneyHero, said: “We are thrilled to work with OSL, a recognised leader in the regulated digital asset space in Asia. This collaboration reflects our unique value proposition and position as the leading digital acquisition partner for the majority of banks across Greater Southeast Asia, which we are leveraging to extend our offerings into the digital asset space. We are committed to providing our users with comprehensive financial solutions and access to emerging asset classes in a responsible and informed manner. OSL’s strong regulatory compliance and institutional expertise provide valuable support for our expansion into the sector, where we also see significant potential to broaden our offerings in the future.”

    Jack Derong, CMO of OSL, said: “We are delighted to join forces with MoneyHero, an established and trusted platform across Southeast Asia. We believe that providing accessible and regulated pathways to digital assets is crucial for the industry’s sustainable growth. MoneyHero’s extensive user network and transparent and reliable comparison tools will empower a wider audience with the knowledge and access to participate in the digital asset economy with confidence.”​​​​

    About MoneyHero Group

    MoneyHero Limited (NASDAQ: MNY) is a leading personal finance aggregation and comparison platform, as well as a digital insurance brokerage provider in Greater Southeast Asia. The Company operates in Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and the Philippines. Its brand portfolio includes B2C platforms MoneyHero, SingSaver, Money101, Moneymax and Seedly, as well as the B2B platform Creatory. The Company also retains an equity stake in Malaysian fintech company, Jirnexu Pte. Ltd., parent company of Jirnexu Sdn. Bhd., the operator of RinggitPlus, Malaysia’s largest operating B2C platform. MoneyHero had over 290 commercial partner relationships as at 31 December 2024, and had approximately 6.2 million Monthly Unique Users across its platform for the three months ended 31 December 2024. The Company’s backers include Peter Thiel—co-founder of PayPal, Palantir Technologies, and the Founders Fund—and Hong Kong businessman, Richard Li, the founder and chairman of Pacific Century Group. To learn more about MoneyHero and how the innovative fintech company is driving APAC’s digital economy, please visit www.MoneyHeroGroup.com.

    About OSL Group
    OSL Group (HKEX: 863.HK) is a leading global financial infrastructure platform bridging traditional finance and the digital asset economy through blockchain technology. The Group is dedicated to providing efficient, seamless, and regulatory-compliant financial services to individuals and businesses worldwide.

    OSL delivers a comprehensive suite of regulated services through its licensed platforms, including 24/7 OTC brokerage with deep liquidity fiat gateways and competitive pricing; omnibus brokerage solutions enabling traditional financial institutions to integrate digital assets; SOC 2 Type 2-certified custody with up to US$1 billion insurance protection; and compliant retail trading channels; wealth management solutions, including scheduled launches on tokenised treasuries and RWAs; and in preparation for cross-border payment infrastructure via OSL Pay.

    “Open, Secure, Licensed” are the principles OSL lives by. OSL is expanding its compliant infrastructure across Japan, Australia, and Europe, potentially Southeast Asia, powering the next generation of global financial infrastructure.

    For more information, please visit group.osl.com.

    For MoneyHero inquiries, please contact:

    Investor Relations:
    MoneyHero IR Team
    IR@MoneyHeroGroup.com

    Media Relations:
    MoneyHero PR Team
    Press@MoneyHeroGroup.com

    For OSL inquiries, please contact:
    OSL Media Team
    media@osl.com

    Disclaimer

    The Company and its subsidiaries do not hold any license issued by the SFC and do not engage in any regulated activities as defined under the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Chapter 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong). This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, nor is it intended to constitute, an offer or invitation to provide any securities, investment, or other regulated services to the public in Hong Kong.

    1Investor and Financial Education Council. (2023). Retail Investor Study 2023. Retrieved from https://www.ifec.org.hk/web/common/pdf/about-ifec/retail-investor-study-2023.pdf

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Story of a Foreign Son-in-Law and His Love for Pizza in Huangshan City

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    American-turned-“Chinese son-in-law” Adrian Brill left a teaching job in Chengdu to become a pizza maker in the quiet village of Nanxingan, nestled at the foot of the Huangshan Mountains in Anhui Province. In 2017, he and his wife moved to her hometown of Huangshan City. “This is a chance to build the life I’ve always wanted, which is to live in greater harmony with nature, community, and personal well-being,” he said.

    “Chinese Son-in-Law” Adrien Makes Pizza with Fermented Maotofu Bean Curd (Source: Screenshot from video)

    In 2021, Adrien gained attention for sharing his home-style and rustic cuisine on social media and opened a local pizzeria. “I didn’t choose the restaurant business, the business chose me,” he says. His signature pizzas are two types that combine unique Anhui flavors: the savory Chinese snapper and the fermented tofu (maotofu). “It’s not just food, it’s a cultural exchange. My family is half American and half Chinese, and the most beautiful thing is what’s born between the two cultures,” he says. Today, Adrien is not only a chef but also a mentor to the neighborhood’s youth, giving him a sense of belonging to different identities that lie at the intersection of Chinese and Western food cultures.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: UN Ocean Conference to focus on biodiversity, subsidies, “30X30 goal”

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

    Volunteers pick up litter during a beach cleanup campaign at Flamengo Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, March 22, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), to be held in Nice, France, from June 9 to 13, 2025, will center on three core objectives: conserving marine biodiversity, eliminating harmful fisheries subsidies, and advancing the global “30×30” target.

    Rising ocean temperatures, acidification, and oxygen loss are undermining the ocean’s ability to regulate the climate, according to scientists from the One Ocean Science Congress. These environmental shifts, together with rising sea levels, pose a serious threat to global infrastructure and life on Earth, they warned in a recent statement meant to inform decision-makers gathering in Nice.

    In this context, UNOC3 will convene governments, international financial institutions, non-governmental organizations, researchers, civil society groups, and private sector stakeholders to address challenges and explore opportunities linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.

    The conference will feature ten plenary sessions and ten roundtable discussions, along with numerous side events.

    A top priority will be to secure the 60 ratifications needed to bring into force the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, known as the “BBNJ Agreement.” Adopted in 2023, the accord aims to safeguard marine ecosystems in international waters. So far, only 32 countries have ratified it. The deadline for reaching the 60-country threshold is Sept. 20, 2025.

    “The goal for Nice is to achieve at least 60 ratifications to ensure the agreement’s entry into force. We aren’t there yet… There is still a lot of work to be done,” French President Emmanuel Macron said, as quoted by Le Monde.

    The second objective targets the prohibition of harmful fisheries subsidies, widely seen as a major driver of global fish stock depletion. While the World Trade Organization adopted an agreement on this issue in June 2022, it still requires formal ratification by two-thirds of its members – or 111 countries – with only 101 having done so to date.

    Macron also emphasized the importance of combatting “illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing,” Le Monde reported.

    The third major aim concerns achieving the “30×30” goal – the commitment to protect 30 percent of the oceans by 2030. Currently, only around 8 percent of marine areas enjoy some form of protection.

    To close the financial gap and support ocean conservation, conference participants will discuss innovative funding instruments such as “Blue bonds” and “Blue loans” to advance a sustainable ocean economy. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Two before the courts after separate offences

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Attributable to Senior Sergeant Stephen McDaniel, Waimakariri/Hurunui Response Manager,

    Two people are before the courts following two separate incidents in the Rural Canterbury area.

    On Tuesday 27 May, Police were alerted to a report of a burglary on Southbrook Road, where a residential property’s front gates had been taken during the day in front of peak traffic.

    After following lines of enquiry, including CCTV footage, Police identified the alleged offender.

    A search warrant was executed at a Christchurch property where Police located the stolen gates partially mounted to the front fence.

    The alleged offender was also located at the property and was taken into custody at the scene.

    A 41-year-old man appeared on 31 May, and was remanded in custody. He is due to reappear in Christchurch District Court on 25 June.

    On Tuesday 3 June, the Canterbury Rural Tactical Crime Unit executed a search warrant at a Swannanoa address in relation to a number of reported stolen vehicles.

    During the search warrant, Police located three vehicles that had been reported stolen.

    A 30-year-old woman was taken into custody at the scene.

    The woman is due to appear in Christchurch District Court at a later date, charged with receiving property.

    We would like to thank the members of the public who provided information in relation to this incident to Police.

    This information is invaluable to our investigations and enabled us to hold the alleged offender to account.

    We thank the public for their continued support and urge anyone to report any suspicious or unlawful behaviour to Police.

    If you see something happening now, call 111 with as much detail as safely possible, or get in touch on 105 if it’s after the fact.

    Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CONGRESSWOMAN MAXINE WATERS CONDEMNS PRESIDENT TRUMP AND HIS ADMINISTRATION FOR RACIST IMMIGRATION POLICY

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (43rd District of California)

    “Trump is demonstrating the height of his racism as he works to remove 500,000 legal immigrants from this country.”

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the Committee on Financial Services, released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court granting the Trump Administration’s request to revoke humanitarian parole from more than 500,000 immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, and order them out of the Country. 

    “Donald Trump is demonstrating the height of his racism as he works to remove 500,000 legal immigrants from this country. These are individuals who followed the legal process to apply for and receive humanitarian parole, which allows migrants from countries facing instability, including Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, to enter the United States and live and work here legally, in this case for two years, provided they have a private sponsor. These people followed that process, entered the United States legally, and became law-abiding and contributing members of their communities.  It is downright cruel for Donald Trump to interfere with that process, take away their parole status with virtually no warning, uproot them from their families, sponsors, and communities, and deport them to situations that are still unstable.

    “I am appalled that the Supreme Court is allowing Trump to proceed with these racist deportation plans targeting law-abiding, legal immigrants who are working, raising families, and contributing in a positive way to their communities. I commend Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson and Sonia Sotomayor for their dissent against this terrible decision.

    “Meanwhile, Trump lied to the American people and the world when he perpetuated a false narrative about white South Africans being subjected to genocide, and then used these lies to justify bringing white South Africans into the United States as refugees, while attempting to deport thousands of legal immigrants who are not white but who truly are refugees.  South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, the United States intelligence community, and the international community have all confirmed that Trump lied about South Africa. 

    “Co-President Elon Musk spread these outrageous lies. Elon Musk is the same man whose family worked hard to maintain the racist apartheid system in South Africa for decades and who himself repeatedly gestured the Afrikaner salute (associated with white supremacist groups like South Africa’s neo-Nazi political party Afrikaner Weerstandsbeweging).

    “But this isn’t new for Trump. Throughout his campaign and even after his election, Trump held rallies that featured racist and disparaging comments and outright lies about immigrants, especially Haitians, in an attempt to stoke fear amongst the American people. Trump’s baseless attacks caused irreparable harm to communities across our nation and further tarnished America’s image around the world.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Man charged following alleged Paremoremo hit-and-run

    Source: New Zealand Police

    A man has been charged following an alleged hit-and-run in Paremoremo yesterday morning, which left two people injured.

    Emergency services were called to Attwood Road about 7.10am yesterday following a report of a white ute striking two pedestrians.

    The vehicle then allegedly left the scene without stopping.

    One woman sustained serious injuries and another moderate injuries and both were transported to hospital for treatment.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Williams, Waitematā CIB, says earlier today a person presented to North Shore Police Station.

    “A 39-year-old man has subsequently been charged with failing to stop and ascertain injury and two counts of careless driving causing injury.

    “The investigation remains ongoing, however we would like to thank all the members of the public who have so far contacted Police.”

    The 39-year-old man will appear in North Shore District Court on 12 July.

    As the matter is before the Court, Police are limited in providing further comment.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: From Kent State to Los Angeles, using armed forces to police civilians is a high-risk strategy

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Brian VanDeMark, Professor of History, United States Naval Academy

    Smoke and tear gas surround a protester in Los Angeles on June 7, 2025, amid confrontations between immigration rights advocates and law enforcement personnel. Taurat Hossain/Anadolu via Getty Images

    Responding to street protests in Los Angeles against federal immigration enforcement raids, President Donald Trump ordered 2,000 soldiers from the California National Guard into the city on June 7, 2025, to protect agents carrying out the raids. Trump also authorized the Pentagon to dispatch regular U.S. troops “as necessary” to support the California National Guard.

    The president’s orders did not specify rules of engagement about when and how force could be used. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who did not request the National Guard and asserted it was not needed, criticized the president’s decision as “inflammatory” and warned it “will only escalate tensions.”

    I am a historian who has written several books about the Vietnam War, one of the most divisive episodes in our nation’s past. My recent book, “Kent State: An American Tragedy,” examines a historic clash on May 4, 1970, between anti-war protesters and National Guard troops at Kent State University in Ohio.

    The confrontation escalated into violence: troops opened fire on the demonstrators, killing four students and wounding nine others, including one who was paralyzed for life.

    In my view, dispatching California National Guard troops against civilian protesters in Los Angeles chillingly echoes decisions and actions that led to the tragic Kent State shooting. Some active-duty units, as well as National Guard troops, are better prepared today than in 1970 to respond to riots and violent protests – but the vast majority of their training and their primary mission remains to fight, to kill, and to win wars.

    Protests in Los Angeles began after federal agencies conducted immigration raids across the city on June 6, 2025. Local police responded with pepper spray, rubber bullets and tear gas.

    Federalizing the Guard

    The National Guard is a force of state militias under the command of governors. It can be federalized by the president during times of national emergency, or for deployment on combat missions overseas. Guardsmen train for one weekend per month and two weeks every summer.

    Typically, the Guard has been deployed to deal with natural disasters and support local police responses to urban unrest. Examples include riots in Detroit in 1967, Washington DC in 1968, Los Angeles in 1965 and 1992, and Minneapolis and other cities in 2020 after the death of George Floyd.

    Presidents rarely deploy National Guard troops without state governors’ consent. The main modern exceptions occurred in the 1950s and 1960s during the Civil Rights Movement, when Southern governors defied federal court orders to desegregate schools in Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama. In each case, the federal government sent troops to protect Black students from crowds of white protesters.

    The 1807 Insurrection Act grants presidents authority to use active-duty troops or National Guard forces to restore order within the United States. President Trump did not invoke the Insurrection Act. Instead, he relied on Section 12406 of Title 10 of the U.S. Code, a narrower federal statute that allows the president to mobilize the National Guard in situations including “rebellion or danger of a rebellion against the authority of the Government of the United States.”

    Trump did not limit his order to Los Angeles. He authorized armed forces to protect immigration enforcement operations at any “locations where protests against these functions are occurring or are likely to occur.”

    ICE officers and national guards confront protesters outside of the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles on June 8, 2025.
    Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images

    The standoff at Kent State

    The war in Vietnam had grown increasingly unpopular by early 1970, but protests intensified on April 30 when President Richard Nixon authorized expanding the conflict into Cambodia. At Kent State, after a noontime anti-war rally on campus on May 1, alcohol-fueled students harassed passing motorists in town and smashed storefront windows that night. On May 2, anti-war protesters set fire to the building where military officers trained Kent State students enrolled in the armed forces’ Reserve Officer Training Corps program.

    In response, Republican Governor Jim Rhodes dispatched National Guard troops, against the advice of university and many local officials, who understood the mood in the town of Kent and on campus far better than Rhodes did. County prosecutor Ron Kane had vehemently warned Rhodes that deploying the National Guard could spark conflict and lead to fatalities.

    Nonetheless, Rhodes – who was trailing in an impending Republican primary for a U.S. Senate seat – struck the pose of a take-charge leader who wasn’t going to be pushed around by a long-haired rabble. “We’re going to put a stop to this!” he shouted, pounding the table at a press conference in Kent on May 3.

    Hundreds of National Guard troops were deployed across town and on campus. University officials announced that further rallies were banned. Nonetheless, on May 4, some 2,000 to 3,000 students gathered on the campus Commons for another anti-war rally. They were met by 96 National Guardsmen, led by eight officers.

    There was confrontation in the air as student anger over Nixon’s expansion of the war blended with resentment over the Guard’s presence. Protesters chanted antiwar slogans, shouted epithets at the Guardsmen and made obscene gestures.

    Archival footage from CBS News of the clash between campus anti-war protesters and Ohio National Guard troops at Kent State University on May 4, 1970.

    ‘Fire in the air!’

    The Guardsmen sent to Kent State had no training in de-escalating tension or minimizing the use of force. Nonetheless, their commanding officer that day, Ohio Army National Guard Assistant Adjutant General Robert Canterbury, decided to use them to break up what the Department of Justice later deemed a legal assembly.

    In my view, it was a reckless judgment that inflamed an already volatile situation. Students started showering the greatly outnumbered Guardsmen with rocks and other objects. In violation of Ohio Army National Guard regulations, Canterbury neglected to warn the students that he had ordered Guardsmens’ rifles loaded with live ammunition.

    As tension mounted, Canterbury failed to adequately supervise his increasingly fearful troops – a cardinal responsibility of the commanding officer on the scene. This fundamental failure of leadership increased confusion and resulted in a breakdown of fire control discipline – officers’ responsibility to maintain tight control over their troops’ discharge of weapons.

    When protesters neared the Guardsmen, platoon sergeant Mathew McManus shouted “Fire in the air!” in a desperate attempt to prevent bloodshed. McManus intended for troops to shoot above the students’ heads to warn them off. But some Guardsmen, wearing gas masks that made it hard to hear amid the noise and confusion, only heard or reacted to the first word of McManus’ order, and fired at the students.

    The troops had not been trained to fire warning shots, which was contrary to National Guard regulations. And McManus had no authority to issue an order to fire if officers were nearby, as they were.

    Many National Guardsmen who were at Kent State on May 4 later questioned why they had been deployed there. “Loaded rifles and fixed bayonets are pretty harsh solutions for students exercising free speech on an American campus,” one of them told an oral history interviewer. Another plaintively asked me in a 2023 interview, “Why would you put soldiers trained to kill on a university campus to serve a police function?”

    Doug Guthrie, a student at Kent State in 1970, looks back 54 years later at the events of May 4.

    A fighting force

    National Guard equipment and training have improved significantly in the decades since Kent State. But Guardsmen are still military troops who are fundamentally trained to fight, not to control crowds.

    In 2020, then-National Guard Bureau Chief General Joseph Lengyel told reporters that “the civil unrest mission is one of the most difficult and dangerous missions … in our domestic portfolio.”

    In my view, the tragedy of Kent State shows how critical it is for authorities to be thoughtful in responding to protests, and extremely cautious in deploying military troops to deal with them. The application of force is inherently unpredictable, often uncontrollable, and can lead to fatal mistakes and lasting human suffering. And while protests sometimes break rules, they may not be disruptive or harmful enough to merit responding with force.

    Aggressive displays of force, in fact, can heighten tensions and worsen situations. Conversely, research shows that if protesters perceive authorities are acting with restraint and treating them with respect, they are more likely to remain nonviolent. The shooting at Kent State demonstrated that using military force in these situations is an option fraught with grave risks.

    This is an updated version of an article originally published Aug. 27, 2024.

    Brian VanDeMark does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. From Kent State to Los Angeles, using armed forces to police civilians is a high-risk strategy – https://theconversation.com/from-kent-state-to-los-angeles-using-armed-forces-to-police-civilians-is-a-high-risk-strategy-258468

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Avoid the area of State Highway 26/27 Tatuanui

    Source: New Zealand Police

    At approximately 12.15pm on Monday 9th June at the roundabout with State Highway 26/27, Tatuanui, Matamata-Piako District.

    A truck has rolled and is partially blocking the roundabout.

    Motorists are requested to avoid the area if possible, take an alternative route or delay travel.

    A recovery of the stricken truck is underway, but will be at least two hours, approx 3pm, until the road is clear.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Statement from FBI Los Angeles Assistant Director in Charge

    Source: US FBI

    “Anyone who deliberately impedes the efforts of law enforcement agents and officers who are carrying out lawful warrants will be subject to federal prosecution, to include spending time in federal prison,” said Akil Davis, the assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office.

    “The FBI is currently seeking individuals who assaulted law enforcement officers serving federal warrants during the past two days in various parts of Los Angeles. There will be no tolerance for anyone who interferes with the law enforcement mission and, in doing so, puts law enforcement or the community in harm’s way.”  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: AFSM honour for fire services impact

    Source:

    Colin Brown AFSM is a dedicated and highly experienced firefighter and emergency services leader with more than 40 years of service to CFA and Fire Rescue Victoria.

    His longstanding career exemplifies outstanding leadership, innovation and service in firefighting, emergency management, aviation operations and community engagement. Beyond his distinguished service in frontline firefighting, Colin has played a pivotal role in shaping strategic emergency management frameworks, mentoring future leaders, and championing inclusivity.

    Colin is a current volunteer member of Warrandyte Fire Brigade, a fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) Commander at CFA District 13, and a former CFA Deputy Group Officer of Seymour Group. He is also an accredited wildfire and structural fire investigator and has mentored prospective investigators undergoing training in the past.

    “As a teenager growing up in The Basin, there was little to do to occupy my time,” Colin said. 

    “The local fire brigade was near my home and hearing them regularly respond to incidents prompted me to join. Once I became a member, the camaraderie within the brigade and a sense of helping the community led me to pursue a career as a firefighter.”

    Across his more than four decades of service, Colin has made a significant contribution in the protection of life and property at major fires including Dandenong Ranges fires (1967, 1997), Ash Wednesday (1983), Black Saturday Fires (2009) and the Cambarville fires (2019-20).

    He also managed emergency response as Incident Controller for complex fires including Dutson Downs Bombing Range (1999), Hazelwood Power Station (2000) and Maryvale Paper Mill (2001), and provided strategic leadership during the Victorian Alpine Fires (2002-03), Emu Track Fire (2003), the 2019-20 fires (in both Victoria and NSW) and numerous other large-scale emergencies. Additionally, he has been involved in multi-agency emergency operations, working alongside Victoria Police, CFA, DELWP and other emergency services.

    “One of the incidents that stands out for me is the Longford gas explosion in 1998. It was my first day as a CFA Operations Officer and I was asked to lead the CFA Fire Investigation team in determining its cause,” Colin said.

    “I was then privileged to be asked by ESSO Australia to support the Longford team to obtain their licence as a major hazards facility.”

    Colin’s expertise and leadership during catastrophic events has led to significant advancements in township protection plans, improvements in Incident Control Centres and the creation of the highly successful Your Emergency Services (YES) program in the Yarra Ranges.

    Following the Black Saturday Royal Commission, Colin worked with 21 CFA brigades across the Dandenong Ranges and surrounding areas on an EMV-led project to provide community alert sirens in emergencies through existing CFA and purpose-built sirens. This project is now in place and has been used to alert these communities to emergencies since its implementation, improving public safety outcomes.

    Colin is also a champion of diversity in emergency response operations. His commitment to training, mentoring and inclusivity has led to advancements in fire aviation operations and fire investigation, including endorsing the first accredited woman CFA Air Observer and managing the development of a joint agency training manual between CFA and DELWP.

    “Receiving the AFSM is very humbling, and I am privileged to be honoured by this significant award,” Colin said.

    “CFA is a fantastic organisation. It allows you to challenge yourself and contribute to protecting your community. It provides you with opportunities to develop diverse skills, including leadership and teamwork, outside of your normal day-to-day life.

    “I have also made many friends and acquaintances over my 45 years of service to the organisation and the community.”

    Colin’s dedication, visionary leadership and commitment to safeguarding communities has enhanced firefighting and incident management in Victoria. His contributions continue to shape best practice, mentor future leaders and inspire excellence in firefighting and emergency management.

    Submitted by CFA media

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update: Unexplained death, Newtown

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Attributable to Detective Inspector Nick Pritchard

    Wellington Police are continuing to make enquiries into an unexplained death in Newtown.

    At around 7.15pm on Saturday 7 June, Police were called to a property on Mansfield Street.

    Police’s enquiries are underway to determine the full circumstances of the incident.

    A scene examination is due to conclude today, and the post-mortem is currently taking place.

    Members of the Newtown community may notice an increased Police presence in the area while enquiries are ongoing.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Legacy of dedication and innovation

    Source:

    Peter Langridge’s legacy is one of dedication, innovation and an unwavering commitment to protecting those who serve on the frontline.

    His leadership and commitment to research have transformed CFA’s approach to firefighter health, safety and rehabilitation, and has earned him an Australian Fire Services Medal in today’s King’s Birthday Honours. 

    “When I found out I was receiving an AFSM I was surprised at first and then when it sunk in, I felt honoured to have been nominated and to be receiving this award,” Peter said.  

    The strong safety culture enshrined in CFA is a reflection of the important contribution volunteer and staff member Peter Langridge AFSM has made over his long and distinguished career at CFA as both a volunteer and staff member.

    Peter has dedicated more than 40 years to CFA and the emergency services sector, demonstrating exceptional leadership and innovation in firefighter health, safety and wellbeing during that time.

    A CFA volunteer for more than 20 years, Peter has been a member at Lilydale (1982-1985) and Mooroolbark brigades (2003-2006), and is a current member at Yellingbo. He was also a founding member of the District 13 Headquarters Brigade and its captain for seven years. The first registered headquarters brigade in CFA, its members continue to offer essential incident management and welfare support during major emergency operations. 

    “I joined as a volunteer after moving to a CFA area in 1982. One of my neighbours was a CFA member and he told me about the brigade at Lilydale, so I went along to have a chat with the captain and decided to join,” Peter said.

    “In hindsight, it was probably not the best year to join as I went straight into a very bad fire season being the year of the Ash Wednesday fires. But being thrown into the deep end, I learned a lot very quickly – and I did stay on as a volunteer.”

    With 11 years as an Ambulance Victoria paramedic and highly regarded as an experienced health researcher and practitioner, Peter’s genuine interest in CFA volunteers and their health and safety has led to many significant changes at CFA and in the fire and emergency management space.

    As CFA’s Manager, Health Monitoring and Rehabilitation, Peter has been instrumental in improving firefighter health practices, establishing health programs, leading innovative research initiatives and advocating for firefighter safety. He has also transformed CFA’s approach to health monitoring and firefighter rehabilitation through the implementation of a health monitoring program for firefighters.

    In 2015 he established a network of Firefighter Rehabilitation Units across the state, setting a national standard for real-time health checks in fire and hazardous material incidents. There are now 22 CFA volunteer-led Rehab Units available for dispatch to incidents. They are making a real and tangible difference to members, with a reduction in the number of heat-related incidents. In addition to supporting CFA firefighters, the units provide health monitoring and support to our partner agencies including DEECA, FRV and Victoria Police.

    Peter has led large-scale health monitoring operations during significant fires including the 2009 fires, the 2019-20 fires, Kaladbro peat fire, Somerton tip fire, Portland ship fire and Coolaroo Recycling Plant fire. He spent 45 days at the site of the Hazelwood coal mine fire (2014) to ensure the safety of members and fellow emergency services workers. More than 62,000 health tests and carbon monoxide tests were conducted on more than 7,000 firefighters and 1,600 mine staff for the duration of the firefight to ensure their levels were within safety standards.

    “The Hazelwood mine fire in 2014 stands out as a key moment of my time at CFA,” Peter said.

    “We learned many lessons during the 2004 and 2008 Hazelwood mine fires and each time had to modify how we managed these incidents.

    “After 2008 we developed a plan for any future fires of this kind, and this helped immensely in our management of the 2014 fire. This plan is now part of EMV’s State Smoke Framework.”

    In addition to managing large-scale health monitoring operations, Peter’s research into firefighter health has seen the implementation and development of new programs, equipment and training: 

    • Health Program innovations: Led the development of HealthWatch,  Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Program and Medical Review Program, shaping CFA’s approach to firefighter health.
    • Health research leadership: Conducted pivotal studies on firefighter physiology, leading to advancements in breathing techniques, heat stress management and cardiovascular risk reduction safety guidelines and training both in Australian and international fire agencies. 
    • Health innovation: Assisted volunteer firefighter Peter Schaede to design and develop Arm Core Coolers in 2016 together to reduce firefighter core body temperature both relieving heat stress and speeding up recovery during fire-related incidents. These are often used by members prior to Rehab Units arriving on the fireground. 

    Peter’s expertise, commitment and forward-thinking approach were also pivotal to CFA’s successful pandemic response, reinforcing his reputation as a leader in firefighter health and safety. Central to this was the training he developed and delivered across the sector to ensure members were kept safe whilst on the fireground. He also facilitated cross-agency training for CFA, VICSES and EMV on key COVID-19 roles to ensure firefighters and emergency responders could continue operations safely.

    His work continues to shape best practice at CFA to safeguard the lives of those who protect our communities.

    Submitted by CFA media

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Name release, water incident, Boyle River

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police can now name the man who died following a water incident in the Boyle River on Thursday 5 June.

    He was Phelan McDade, 25, from Napier.

    Police extends our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.

    Enquiries into the matter are ongoing and the death will be referred to the Coroner.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £5.5 million for ‘Extra Time’ partnership with Scottish Football Association

    Source: Scottish Government

    Funding boost for activities clubs for children from low income families.

    Funding of £5.5 million for the Extra Time programme, which provides free activities clubs before school, after school and during the school holidays for primary age pupils, will support families on low incomes outwith school.

    On a visit to the St Mirren Charitable Foundation’s Extra Time service at Kirklandneuk Primary School in Renfrew, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville saw how the programme is helping parents to get into and stay in work or training, or increase their working hours.

    The 2025 Extra Time Evaluation Report, published today by the Scottish FA, highlights the potential for the scheme to support the Scottish Government’s priorities of growing the economy and eradicating child poverty.

    Ms Somerville said:

    “The Extra Time programme is helping us to better understand how providing activities clubs before school, after school and during the holidays can improve outcomes for families on low incomes by supporting parents into work, training, studying or providing respite.

    “We are increasing our funding by £1.5 million to invest £5.5 million this year to expand the Extra Time Programme – increasing the number of football clubs and trusts we are working with from 31 to 53. This national programme will provide around 5,000 children and their families on low incomes with access to vital services.

    “The evaluation demonstrates that, as well as helping realise our priorities in growing the economy and eradicating child poverty, the Extra Time programme is supporting kids with their school attendance and attainment, helping tackle food insecurity and improving children’s health and wellbeing.”

    Ian Maxwell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Football Association, said: “Today’s announcement of increased funding for the Extra Time programme is a significant boost, and testament to the success of the initiative and the impact it continues to have on families across the country.

    “While this may be a football-based programme, with obvious health and education benefits to children who participate, the positive effects of Extra Time are felt throughout the entire family and it is another example of how the power of football makes a tangible difference across Scotland.

    “We are grateful to the Scottish Government for this additional investment which will allow clubs to continue to bring Extra Time to life. It’s a hugely worthwhile programme and something we’re delighted to be involved in.”

    Background:

    Scottish FA Extra Time impact report

    Football clubs and trusts are taking a variety of approaches to test and deliver provision that suits the needs of families in their communities.

    This includes working with local schools and other community partners to deliver breakfast clubs, after school clubs, weekend provision and holiday clubs. Some clubs are also considering the impact of in-service days and school closures on families to provide full day activity sessions.

    Many of the clubs have been considering how to best support parents and carers as part of their projects – for example, working in partnership with local services to deliver employability courses, and offering Scottish FA coaching qualifications.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fourth person charged with manslaughter over Loafers Lodge fire

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Attributable to Detective Sergeant Olivia Meares:

    Wellington Police have charged a fourth person with manslaughter in relation to the fatal fire at Loafers Lodge in 2023.

    The 72-year-old Wellington man was arrested this morning and is due to appear in the Wellington District Court today.

    It follows the arrest of two men aged 75 and 58, and a 70-year-old woman, late last week, all of whom are facing charges of manslaughter. Police allege all four individuals were responsible for aspects of the building’s fire safety systems.

    Police previously charged a 50-year-old man with murder in relation to deliberately lighting the fatal fire. This matter is before the High Court, with a trial scheduled to start on 25 August 2025.

    As the case is before the court, Police will not be commenting further.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WA leads multistate amicus opposing Trump’s public safety cuts

    Source: Washington State News

    SEATTLE – Washington state filed an amicus brief today decrying the Trump administration’s illegal budget cuts to public safety and in support of plaintiffs seeking to halt them.

    Building effective public safety systems requires engaging the people who experience crime and violence firsthand. Yet, two months ago, without warning and effective immediately, the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs cancelled hundreds of millions of dollars in funding to community advocates, researchers, local governments, and law enforcement for programs that fill crucial gaps in the public social safety net.

    “Communities must be empowered to set public safety priorities and build solutions,” Attorney General Nick Brown said. “The federal government’s actions have gutted essential public safety programs nationwide. Apparently, preventing violence, supporting crime victims, and rehabilitating incarcerated people are no longer priorities of the Justice Department.”

    Washington state filed the brief with 17 others in a class-action lawsuit against the Justice Department challenging these illegal and arbitrary cuts. The lawsuit was brought by five community organizations, including Washington State’s Center for Children and Youth Justice, on behalf of the hundreds of organizations impacted by the funding cuts.

    Nationwide, the administration’s actions rescinded about $500 million in already approved grant funding that was yet to be disbursed.

    The administration eliminated programs that provide direct support to police and prosecutors, and other programs that complement law enforcement efforts. Many of the cancelled programs provide services that state and local governments are ill equipped or unable to provide. Other terminated programs support victims as they recover from the worst days of their lives. In Washington state, the cuts impacted the Center for Children & Youth Justice and National CASA/GAL, both of which provide support for young people navigating the justice system.

    The cuts will also impact programs in Washington that train sexual assault nurse examiners, who provide forensic examinations to sexual assault survivors. Research shows that victim access to these professionals can improve outcome for survivors and result in higher prosecution rates. These cuts would guarantee the continued shortage of forensic nurses, limit access to care for victims, and decrease the legal system’s capacity to investigate and prosecute sex offenders and human traffickers.

    Plaintiffs in the case have requested a preliminary injunction. That motion is pending in federal District Court for the District of Columbia.

    Joining Washington in the brief are Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, and Rhode Island.

    Document: Amicus Brief 

    -30-

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    Email: press@atg.wa.gov

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    MIL OSI USA News –