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Category: Transport

  • MIL-Evening Report: Location-sharing apps are enabling domestic violence. But young people aren’t aware of the danger

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Maria Atienzar-Prieto, PhD Candidate, School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University

    The Conversation/Snapchat

    Location-sharing apps are shaping how we connect and communicate – especially among younger people. Snap Map, a popular feature within Snapchat, is widely used by teens and young adults to stay in the loop and facilitate real-time meet-ups with friends and partners.

    Meanwhile, Life360 markets itself as “Australia’s number one family safety app”. It offers parents peace of mind through continuous, sophisticated location tracking.

    These apps determine a person’s real-time location primarily with GPS technology that’s already in a phone. The convenience and sense of security they provide might be appealing to many people. But they can also enable stalking and other forms of coercive control.

    The recent inquest into the murder of Lilie James starkly highlighted these risks. However, our research on young people’s perceptions of technology-facilitated abuse has shown many of them are not aware of the danger.

    A meticulously planned murder

    In October 2023, James, a 21-year-old water polo coach, was killed by her 24-year-old ex-boyfriend, Paul Thijssen, in a bathroom at St Andrew’s Cathedral School in Sydney.

    James had been in a brief relationship with Thijssen. But she ended it when he became obsessed.

    The coronial inquest revealed Thijssen had meticulously planned the murder. He had also used a range of coercively controlling behaviours in the lead up to his crime. For example, he physically stalked James by driving past her home on multiple occasions.

    He also tracked James’s location on Snapchat to monitor her whereabouts and asked a mutual friend to keep “an eye on her” during a party she attended.

    The court also heard about Thijssen’s use of abusive digital behaviours as a pattern of coercive control across his previous relationships.

    Not a sign of love and care

    A friend of James and Thijssen misinterpreted his tracking of her location as a sign of love and care. Young people are generally at risk of making similar mistakes, as our recent research highlights.

    As part of Maria’s PhD thesis, the research included surveys with more than 1,000 respondents and follow-up focus groups with 28 young people (aged 16–25). We asked these young people about their perceptions of technology-facilitated coercive control in dating relationships.

    Every young person who participated in the focus groups had either used location-sharing apps in their own relationships or knew someone who had. This reflected a high level of normalisation regarding the use of location sharing between dating partners.

    Many participants underestimated the risks associated with these behaviours.

    In fact, most young people in our study misinterpreted tracking a partner via Snapchat, the “Find My” app and Life360 as a protective behaviour and a sign of care and trust.

    There is a high level of normalisation regarding the use of location sharing between dating partners.
    Tom Wang/Shutterstock

    It starts at home

    According to the young people in our study, initial experiences with location tracking often start in the family home.

    In an attempt to ensure their children’s safety, parents are increasingly adopting tracking apps to monitor their children’s movements.

    Our findings suggest the widespread use of location sharing within families normalises its adoption outside the home. This can lead to a greater acceptance of surveillance among young people in friendships and romantic relationships.

    This observation is unsurprising when considering research from November 2024 by the eSafety Commissioner on broader community attitudes towards location sharing. It found one in ten Australians believe it is “reasonable to expect to track a partner using location-sharing apps”.

    Young people in our research were able to identify common red flags of harmful location tracking – for example, obsessively monitoring a partner’s whereabouts. But they described how the normalisation of location sharing makes it challenging for them to “opt out” of sharing their location with friends and partners.

    Location sharing is perceived as a demonstration of commitment in young relationships. Therefore, when someone in a relationship decides to stop sharing their location, it is seen as a sign of distrust or a breach of shared dating norms. And it may lead to displays of anger, as seen in the example of Thijssen’s earlier controlling relationships.

    Apps such as Snapchat include location-sharing features.
    Diego Thomazini/Shutterstock

    Negotiating digital boundaries early on

    Location sharing is often normalised in the family context without informed conversations about the associated risks in other relationships. But opting out of location sharing with friends or partners requires the skills and confidence to have such conversations.

    The Australian Government is investing A$77.6 million in respectful relationships education. This will be delivered in partnership with states, territories and non-government school sectors.

    However, for this initiative to be successful, both parents and young people should be educated about digital behaviours. These behaviours include location sharing in various contexts, such as with family members, partners and friends.

    Parents need to be informed about the potential risks associated with location sharing and its normalisation. Beyond learning how to use parental controls to ensure their children’s online safety, it is equally important that parents are equipped with skills to have informed conversations with their children about the risks associated with these features.

    Young people also require skills to navigate difficult conversations about their own digital boundaries.

    Solely relying on more education around the risks and protective measures related to location sharing, such as online stalking or increasing awareness of privacy controls, will not achieve this. We must equip young people with crucial knowledge and skills to recognise the need for, and negotiate, digital boundaries early on in their relationships.

    Setting boundaries in response to experiences of technology-facilitated coercive control may require additional safeguards, including the awareness and support of family and friends.

    Where technology-facilitated coercive control behaviours persist or escalate, national helplines and local domestic violence services can offer vital support, information and referral pathways.

    The National Sexual Assault, Family and Domestic Violence Counselling Line – 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) – is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.

    Silke Meyer receives funding from Australia’s Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS) and state government funding for research into domestic, family and sexual violence.

    Maria Atienzar-Prieto does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Location-sharing apps are enabling domestic violence. But young people aren’t aware of the danger – https://theconversation.com/location-sharing-apps-are-enabling-domestic-violence-but-young-people-arent-aware-of-the-danger-253932

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Greece hit by 24-hour general strike

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Strikers take part in a demonstration in Athens, Greece, on April 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Greece was hit by a 24-hour strike on Wednesday, called by trade unions to protest against inadequate salary increases amid the high cost of living.

    Thousands of strikers marched through the center of Athens, as public services — including transport, hospitals, and schools — were paralyzed.

    “We want decent wages, not breadcrumbs,” read banners raised by protesters in front of the Greek Parliament.

    The Greek economy has returned to growth after exiting a severe debt crisis that brought the country to the brink of bankruptcy (2009-2018), and the government has increased wages and pensions in recent years.

    However, unions and protesters said that households and small businesses are still struggling to make ends meet. They called for more generous increases, as well as measures to ease inflationary pressures and the housing crisis, amid concern that the ongoing tariffs war will exacerbate challenges for many ordinary people across the globe.

    “No sacrifices for the elite’s wealth, no sacrifices for the war economy and tariffs,” said Dimitris Koutsoumbas, general secretary of the Greek Communist Party (KKE), during the protest, which ended peacefully, with only minor scuffles between small groups of demonstrators and police forces.

    “We demand adequate salaries for a life with dignity for employees in both the public and private sectors,” Nikos Bosinakos, a civil servant, told Xinhua. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: EU countries approve initial retaliatory measures against US tariffs

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    European Union (EU) member states on Wednesday backed the bloc’s first package of retaliatory measures against U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

    In a statement, the European Commission condemned the U.S. tariffs as “unjustified and damaging, causing economic harm to both sides, as well as to the global economy.”

    According to media outlets Euractiv and Politico, 26 of the bloc’s 27 member states voted in favor during Wednesday’s session, signaling overwhelming support for fighting back against Trump’s tariff measures.

    The European Commission proposed the retaliatory duties on Monday, setting most of them at 25 percent. The tariffs target a range of U.S. imports in response to Washington’s levies on steel and aluminum.

    The list spans from agricultural to industrial products such as soybeans, poultry, tobacco, iron, motorcycles, dental floss, and both steel and aluminum. These goods totaled around 22 billion euros (24.36 billion dollars) last year.

    The tariffs will be introduced in three stages. The first set, on goods like cranberries and orange juice, will take effect on April 15. A second round, covering items such as steel, meat, white chocolate, and polyethylene, will follow on May 16. The final phase, targeting almonds and soybeans, is scheduled for Dec. 1.

    These steps mark the EU’s initial response to the broader transatlantic trade dispute. In addition to metals, the Trump administration previously announced a 25 percent tariff on EU cars and a so-called “reciprocal” tariff of 20 percent on nearly all other EU imports.

    The European Commission is expected to propose additional retaliatory measures against other U.S. tariffs as early as next week. “I expect that will happen early next week. Also early next week is the second phase of our response to U.S. tariffs, this time on cars and reciprocal tariffs,” European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill told a press conference Tuesday.

    The European Commission also repeated its preference “to find negotiated outcomes with the U.S., which would be balanced and mutually beneficial.”

    “These countermeasures can be suspended at any time, should the U.S. agree to a fair and balanced negotiated outcome,” it said. (1 euro = 1.11 dollar) 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China urges US to stop maliciously linking China to Panama Canal issue

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China urges the United States to stop spreading rumors, causing trouble and maliciously associating China with the Panama Canal issue to excuse its own control over the canal, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry said in Beijing on Wednesday.

    Spokesperson Lin Jian made the comments at a daily news briefing, responding to remarks made by the U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during his recent visit to Panama.

    Hegseth reportedly said that China has carried out espionage activities in Panama by controlling key infrastructure in the Panama Canal area, endangering the security, prosperity and sovereignty of Panama and the United States.

    Lin expressed firm opposition to the malicious attacks on China from senior U.S. officials, which he said have discredited and undermined China-Panama cooperation, once again exposing the United States as a bully nation.

    “Everyone knows who wants to control the Panama Canal,” he said, adding that the United States should look in the mirror to see who is threatening the sovereignty, security and development interests of other countries.

    “Compromise and concession will never secure sovereignty or respect; they will only fuel the arrogance of bullies,” he said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Peters & Fong Reintroduce Bill to Protect California’s Iconic Giant Sequoias from Catastrophic Wildfires

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Scott Peters (D-CA-50) and Vince Fong (R-CA-20) introduced the Save Our Sequoias (SOS) Act, a bipartisan initiative to give land managers the tools to save the iconic giant sequoia and reduce the severity of wildfires that contribute to climate change.

    This bill would enhance interagency coordination, accelerate forest restoration efforts, and provide important resources to land managers to guard these ancient trees from further destruction. The SOS Act would reverse the damage caused by catastrophic wildfires and restore the resilience of Giant Sequoia groves, providing critical ecological, scientific, and cultural benefits.

    “For generations, the majestic giant sequoia has provided innumerable cultural, environmental, and recreational benefits to humans,” said Rep. Peters. “Unfortunately, insufficient land management and climate change have led to increasingly severe fires that threaten the survival of giant sequoias and the stability of the climate. In just one year, the California wildfires that threaten the Sequoias contributed more to climate change than the state’s entire power sector. Our Save Our Sequoias Act charts a new path forward in federal forest and wildfire policy to combat climate change and ensure the giant sequoias stand safely in their natural habitat for years to come.”

    “California’s Giant Sequoias are a symbol of our state’s natural heritage,” said Rep. Fong. “We cannot afford to stand by as continued forest mismanagement destroys our natural resources. It is essential we enact legislation that enforces proactive forest management, and harnesses the power of science, collaboration, and expedited action to protect the remaining Giant Sequoias, return resilience to our forests, and ensure these trees endure for generations.”

    Representative Peters originally introduced the SOS Act in 2022 with former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman, and again in 2023.

    Representative Peters and Chairman Westerman are also the authors of the Fix Our Forests Act, a comprehensive bill to reduce the procedural challenges that slow fire prevention work on high-risk areas. The bill also provides resources to improve community resiliency to megafires, like assistance with removing hazardous brush near homes and prepositioning firefighting resources during high fire risk times.

    “Save the Redwoods League and our federal, state, and tribal partners led significant efforts to restore resilience to the giant sequoias in the past year, yet the existential threat across the range remains severe. It is critically urgent that the National Park Service and USDA-Forest Service have the tools and sustained/permanent funding necessary to implement near-term restoration actions and long-term stewardship of the Giant Sequoia ecosystem. Ensuring a robust future of this iconic species is among the League’s highest priorities,” said Kirsten Tobey, interim president and CEO of Save the Redwoods League. “We welcome the opportunity presented by the reintroduction of the Save Our Sequoias Act to work with Congress to secure the necessary resources and flexibility for our partners to do this critical work, comprehensively and sustainably. The League applauds the leadership of Congressman Fong, Congressman Peters and all the bill’s supporters for their commitment to giant sequoia conservation.”

    “The “Save Our Sequoias Act” is a long overdue effort to empower resourceful experts and stewards to employ critical resiliency efforts to combat the very real threat of fire that plagues roughly 70 Sequoia groves as drought conditions increase,” said Shine Nieto, Chairman, Tule River Tribe. “We recognize that there are currently few long-term drought solutions in place in the area to protect our forest and lands – so we must work together to save our sequoias. The Tule River Tribe is proud to support the passage of the Save the Sequoias Act.

    Over the last century, fire suppression practices and forest mismanagement have led to a dangerous build-up of fuels, which, in combination with increasingly intense wildfires, has caused the unparalleled destruction of Giant Sequoia groves. For 800 years, we lost no Sequoias due to fire, but in the last few years alone, there has been a nearly 20% loss of these trees.

    The SOS Act will provide the following key measures to address this crisis:

    • Reforestation Strategy: Establish a comprehensive reforestation strategy to regenerate Giant Sequoias in groves destroyed by recent wildfires, helping to ensure the long-term survival of these majestic trees.
    • Expedited Emergency Procedures: Declare an emergency to codify existing emergency procedures, streamline environmental reviews, and maintain robust scientific analysis to accelerate necessary forest treatments.
    • Enhanced Coordination: Strengthen collaboration between federal, state, tribal, and local land managers through shared stewardship agreements and the creation of the Giant Sequoia Lands Coalition, a partnership between current Giant Sequoia managers.
    • Health and Resiliency Assessment: Establish a Giant Sequoia Health and Resiliency Assessment to prioritize forest management projects, track progress, and ensure ongoing study of the trees’ health and resiliency over time.
    • Hazardous Fuels Reduction Funding: Provide funding and create a new grant program to support hazardous fuels reduction treatments in and around Giant Sequoia groves, mitigating the risk of wildfires.

    Speeding up science-based forest treatments will boost resilience, improve air and water quality, reduce carbon emissions, and protect vital habitats. Giant Sequoias, the world’s largest trees, are found in 70 groves across 37,000 acres in California, where nearly one-fifth have been destroyed since 2015. The time to protect these irreplaceable pieces of history for future generations is now.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Republicans Shoot Down Peters’ Amendments to Eliminate Phony Math from Republican Budget and Boost NIH Funding

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Scott Peters (CA-50) filed two amendments to the Republican budget blueprint, which extends $4.5 trillion in temporary tax cuts that add to the national debt and cuts vital programs like Medicaid to offset the cost. His first amendment would strike a provision that allows Republicans to pretend that extending these tax cuts skewed toward the wealthy costs nothing. Non-partisan experts at the Committee for a Responsible Budget have estimated that this Republican gimmick alone could explode the national debt by an additional $3.4 to $4.6 trillion. His second amendment would stop Republican attempts to cut the National Institutes of Health (NIH) budget and instead boost it by billions of dollars. Republicans on the House Rules Committee refused to consider Rep. Peters’ amendments.

    “As Trump’s tariffs drive up the cost of living for American households, Republicans in Congress double down on a reckless budget that blows up the national debt at the expense of hard-working Americans,” said Rep. Scott Peters. “I’ve stood with some of my Republicans colleagues to call out our national debt in the past, but now these same people are poised to dramatically increase it. My amendment would have forced Republicans to face the truth: their budget is cruel and not at all fiscally conservative.”

    “Countless families around the country are desperate for cures to Alzheimer’s, cancer, and other diseases that depend on government funded research,” said Rep. Peters. “It is both cruel and wasteful to stop these clinical studies and trials as be forced to throw out their data. New cures to these diseases will save the government money in the long run as we move patients from expensive long-term care to healthy lives. We should invest more, not less in NIH and other basic scientific research.”      

    Representative Peters is the author of the Fiscal Commission Act, legislation to establish a bipartisan, bicameral, and open-doored commission to tackle our nation’s long-term debt, help us avoid automatic and across-the-board cuts to Social Security and Medicare, and secure a more prosperous future for our children. This approach stands in stark contrast to the partisan bill Republicans are advancing, which will only make our debt problems worse.

    San Diego is home to one of the country’s largest life sciences ecosystems, including world-class public and private research institutions and private companies that turn discoveries into therapies and cures. Rep. Peters’ district receives nearly $1 billion in NIH grant funding every year, more than any other district in California.

    In February, the Trump Administration announced a cap on all NIH grants for expenditures like lab space, utilities, IT, and equipment. These investments are integral to the work researchers do, and the proposed cuts will result in an estimated $800 million cut in funding in California alone. The NIH funding cap will devastate the development of life-saving research, inhibit patient access to life-saving treatments and clinical trials, and cede American dominance in biomedical research to our foreign competitors like China and Russia for years to come. In response, Rep. Peters led a letter demanding the Trump Administration preserve NIH funding. In March, Rep. Peters brought Dr. James B. Brewer, MD, PhD, medical professor and chair of the Department of Neurosciences at the University of California, San Diego, as his guest to the President’s Joint Address to Congress to highlight the devastation of these cuts. While federal courts have blocked the President’s across-the-board cuts, the administration is already looking for other ways to cut NIH grant funding. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ACCC consults on Australia Post’s proposed stamp price increase

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    The ACCC is seeking stakeholder feedback on its preliminary view to not object to Australia Post’s proposed stamp price increase of 13.3 per cent from mid–2025.

    Under the draft proposal submitted in November 2024, Australia Post intends to increase the prices for reserved ordinary letters delivered to the regular timetable from:

    Proposed prices for reserved ordinary letters delivered to the regular timetable.
    Letter type Current price Proposed price
    Ordinary small letter (BPR) $1.50 $1.70
    Ordinary large letter up to 125g $3.00 $3.40
    Ordinary large letter over 125g and under 250g $4.50 $5.10

    Australia Post is not proposing to increase the price of concession stamps ($3 for five) or stamps for seasonal greeting cards (65 cents).

    After assessing the draft price notification in line with its role, the ACCC has found that Australia Post is unlikely to recover revenue in excess of its costs for its reserved postal services.

    “Our preliminary assessment found that Australia Post’s proposed price increase is unlikely to produce surplus revenue for the reserved letter service over the coming years,” ACCC Commissioner Dr Philip Williams said.

    Australia Post’s letter services – including its reserved services – have incurred significant losses in recent years, which Australia Post attributes primarily to the ongoing reduction in letter volumes combined with an increase in delivery points.

    Currently, Australia Post only delivers around two letters to each household per week and expects reserved letter volumes to continue to decrease by around 10.6 per cent annually until 2027–28. At the same time, the number of delivery addresses serviced by Australia Post continues to grow, which adds to the financial pressure on the letter service.

    “The ubiquity of digital communication options has impacted the commercial viability of letter delivery globally,” Dr Williams said.

    “At the same time, Australia Post remains an essential national service – especially for vulnerable members of the community and those in regional and remote parts of the country.”

    For the average Australian household, which sends around six letters per year, the proposed basic postage increase to $1.70 would result in an additional annual cost of approximately $1.20. However, the ACCC recognises that the proposed price rise would be the third such increase within four financial years, from a basic postage rate of $1.10 at the start of 2022–23.

    In forming its preliminary view, the ACCC carefully considered the feedback presented by stakeholders during a consultation process in late–2024. While the ACCC acknowledges public opposition to the proposed increase, it has applied a cost-based approach in its analysis within the confines of its regulatory role.

    “Our assessment seeks to balance the needs of consumers who rely on mail with the financial sustainability of the letter service, and we’re very conscious that further stamp price increases may present affordability challenges for some consumers and small businesses,” Mr Williams said.

    Following feedback from mail users, the ACCC recommends Australia Post increase the annual cap on the number of concessional stamps available to eligible concession card holders as a way to lessen the impacts of the proposed price rise for these customers.

    The ACCC also acknowledges that the proposed price increases may have a disproportionate impact on businesses and organisations sending large volumes of mail as part of their operations – particularly those which are subject to legal obligations to send correspondence by post.

    “For those businesses which are heavily reliant on the postal service or are unable to change to electronic alternatives, we consider Australia Post should explore ways to make letter sending more affordable in addition to the existing bulk rates on offer,” Dr Williams said.

    In March 2024, the ACCC made several recommendations to Australia Post regarding changes to its financial modelling and forecasting as well as improvements to its cost allocation model ahead of future price notification processes. Australia Post has addressed a number of the ACCC’s recommendations, including the commissioning of an expenditure review by Frontier Economics into the efficiency of Australia Post’s costs.

    “While Australia Post has made progress on the recommendations, further work is needed to support any future ACCC pricing assessments,” Dr Williams said.

    “We also consider that Australia Post needs to be more transparent with the public about its implementation of such recommendations.”

    The ACCC invites submissions in response to its preliminary view paper by 5pm Monday 12 May 2025. Submissions received will be considered by the ACCC in making its final decision.

    The ACCC will issue a final decision after receiving a formal price notification from Australia Post.

    Australia Post must also notify the Minister for Communications of the proposed price increase and must not increase prices if the Minister rejects the proposal within 30 days.

    Background

    Australia Post’s proposed price change was outlined in a draft price notification provided to the ACCC in November 2024.

    Under the Competition and Consumer Act, the ACCC is responsible for assessing proposed price increases by Australia Post for its reserved ordinary letter services delivered to the regular timetable. The ACCC must consider Australia Post’s proposed price increases of these services and may decide to:

    • not object to the price increase
    • not object to a price that is less than that proposed, or
    • object to the price increase.

    The ACCC does not have the role of approving any proposed price increase under the Australia Post price notification framework. Only the Minister for Communications has the power to reject a price increase proposed by Australia Post.

    Australia Post’s reserved ordinary letter services are services that Australia Post has a statutory monopoly over and are declared as ‘notified services’ for the purposes of Part VIIA of the Competition and Consumer Act. The current declaration for Australia Post’s notified services is due to expire on 30 September 2025 unless extended.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Disclosure of Voting Rights in IDEX Biometrics to Chair, Morten Opstad – 9 April 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    At the close of business on 9 April 2025, Morten Opstad, chair of the board of IDEX Biometrics ASA, held the following voting rights in IDEX Biometrics, for the extraordinary general meeting on 11 April 2025.

    Total 265,382,308 shares or 31.9% of the share capital and votes, including shares held by Mr. Opstad and close relations.

    Some of the proxies may include voting instructions.

    Contact persons
    Marianne Bøe, Head of Investor Relations, Tel.: +47 918 00186
    Kristian Flaten, CFO, Tel.: +47 950 92322
    E-mail: ir@idexbiometrics.com

    About IDEX Biometrics
    IDEX Biometrics ASA (OSE: IDEX) is a global technology leader in fingerprint biometrics, offering authentication solutions across payments, access control, and digital identity.  Our solutions bring convenience, security, peace of mind and seamless user experiences to the world. Built on patented and proprietary sensor technologies, integrated circuit designs, and software, our biometric solutions target card-based applications for payments and digital authentication. As an industry-enabler we partner with leading card manufacturers and technology companies to bring our solutions to market.

    For more information, visit www.idexbiometrics.com (http://www.idexbiometrics.com)

    About this notice
    This notice was issued by Erling Svela, VP finance, on 10 April 2024 at 02:45 CET on behalf of IDEX Biometrics ASA. The information shall be disclosed according to section 4‑2 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act (STA) and published in accordance with section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LEADER JEFFRIES: “REPUBLICANS ARE SETTING IN MOTION THE LARGEST MEDICAID CUT IN AMERICAN HISTORY”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

    Washington, DC – Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries spoke on the House Floor in opposition to the reckless Republican budget which would enact the largest Medicaid cut in American history and raise cuts on hardworking American taxpayers. 

    Leader Jeffries: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let me also thank the distinguished gentleman from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Representative Boyle who’s doing a tremendous job leading House Democrats on the Budget Committee.

    Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I urged you to join me on the House Floor to debate this reckless budget one-on-one, so we would have an opportunity to fully air—in a transparent way—before the American people, Democratic values and Republican values, the Democratic perspective on this budget and the Republican perspective. I’m on the House floor right now. We’re ready to debate, one-on-one, prepared to yield to you for a colloquy at any time, so we can discuss the Democratic vision for building an affordable economy, that lowers costs and makes life better for the American people and the Republican budget proposal that would enact the largest Medicaid cut in American history in order to pass massive tax breaks for your billionaire donors like Elon Musk. Mr. Speaker, I’m ready to yield. I’m ready to debate one-on-one on this House Floor. And I promise not to rebuke you in the name of Jesus.

    Here in America, we were told—we were told by Donald Trump and House Republicans that you were going to lower the high cost of living for everyday Americans. In fact, we were told that you were going to do it on day one, and it hasn’t happened. President Trump and House Republicans told us that you were going to deliver the golden age of America. But over the last several months, we haven’t witnessed the golden age of America. We’ve witnessed a rotten age. You are crashing the economy in real time, driving us toward a Republican recession that’s going to hurt children, hurt families, hurt seniors, hurt everyday Americans, hurt veterans and hurt people across the land.

    You haven’t done anything to address the high cost of living. As Democrats, we recognize that America is too expensive. The cost of living in this great country is far too high. Housing costs are too high. Grocery costs are too high, insurance costs are too high, utility costs are too high and childcare costs are too high. America is too expensive. We should be working to lower the high cost of living. Far too many people in this country can’t get ahead, and they can barely get by, struggling to make ends meet, living paycheck to paycheck. We should be acting decisively to address the high cost of living. President Trump promised costs would go down on day one. Costs aren’t going down, they’re going up. Inflation is going up. Consumer confidence is coming down. And these reckless policies, including the Trump tariffs, are driving us toward a recession. And on top of it all, you are presenting a budget that’s going to make things worse.

    So we stand here today in strong opposition to this reckless Republican budget. It’s a cruel budget. It’s a budget that will have catastrophic consequences on everyday Americans. It’s an assault on the economy, it’s an assault on Medicaid, an assault on health care, an assault on nutritional assistance to children and families, it’s an assault on older Americans, an assault on hospitals and nursing homes and Community Health Centers, it’s an assault on veterans, which is why we reject it, because we’re going to stand on the side of the American people.

    Now, there are so many different problems with this budget resolution, but let’s begin with the fact that Republicans are setting in motion the largest Medicaid cut in American history. That’s going to hurt people all across this country, in small-town America, in urban America, in rural America, in the heartland of America, in Appalachia. All across this country, people will be hurt. Health care will be taken away from children, pregnant women, everyday Americans with disabilities, older Americans, people in nursing homes, people who are receiving long-term care. Nursing homes will close. That will impact everybody in a given community. Hospitals will shut down in rural America, in small-town America, all across America. The largest Medicaid cut in American history. It’s completely and totally unacceptable.

    At the same period of time, targeting nutritional assistance for children, infants, women, families, veterans, older Americans—literally taking food out of the mouths of babies in the United States of America, the wealthiest country in the history of the world. This is why we say it’s a cruel budget. It’s a callous budget. It’s a budget that will have catastrophic consequences. Veterans will be hurt—people who have served this country admirably. They stood up for us. We should always stand up for them, not target them, as will be the case in this reckless Republican budget.

    And so, we’re here to make it clear. Hands off Medicaid. Hands off the health care of the United States of America. Hands off nutritional assistance. Hands off veterans. Hands off everyday Americans struggling to make ends meet. Republicans do nothing to lower the high cost of living. In fact, you’re making the affordability crisis in America worse, not better, then you target earned benefits and things that are important to the American people, like Medicaid, to visit upon it such an extreme cut. And what are you doing it for? What is it in service of? All to pass massive tax breaks for your billionaire donors like Elon Musk. The president himself has made that clear. At the end of the day, that’s what this is all about. How extraordinary is that? As Democrats, we support tax cuts for everyday Americans, tax cuts for small businesses, tax cuts for family farmers, tax cuts for those who need relief, not tax cuts for the wealthy, the well-off and the well-connected. And so, we stand in strong opposition to this GOP tax scam.

    The reason why, Mr. Speaker, I’ve said, let’s debate this on the House Floor, directly, through a colloquy, transparently, to make it clear to the American people where we stand and where Republicans stand at such a fragile moment with so many people in this country struggling to make ends meet. And so, as House Democrats, we’re going to continue to stand on the side of the American people. We’re going to stand on the side of our children, of our families, of our veterans, of older Americans, of everyone aspiring to achieve the American dream. Stand up in defense of Medicaid, stand up in defense of veterans benefits, stand up in defense of nutritional assistance, stand up in defense of economic opportunity and a fair tax code that is designed to build an economy that actually works for everyday Americans, as opposed to an economy of the billionaires, by the billionaires and for the billionaires. That is why we strongly oppose this reckless Republican budget resolution and we will not rest until we bury it in the ground, never to rise again. I yield back.

    Full speech can be watched here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Beyer Eviscerates Trump Tariff Policy In Hearing With U.S. Trade Representative

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

    Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) today ripped the “logic” of President Trump’s insane tariff regime to shreds today during a House Ways and Means Committee hearing on Trump’s trade policy with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

    During the course of his testimony, Greer repeatedly advocated for increased tariffs on top U.S. trading partners – tariffs Trump abruptly paused during the hearing. Greer, who ostensibly serves as Trump’s top adviser on trade policy, obliviously continued to defend the paused tariffs to members of the Committee for some time until he was informed of the sudden change.

    Video of Beyer’s exchange can be viewed here. Some of his comments to Ambassador Greer: 

    “Ambassador Greer, you have a most awful job: to try to convince us and the people we represent that the President’s trade policies are wise and measured when the truth is they are stupid and bad.”
    …
    “I want to quickly run through a few of the ways the logic behind the Trump tariffs makes no sense. You got the math wrong, according to the people whose research you cited. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to enter into the record a New York Times article by former Treasury official Brent Neiman titled, ‘The Trump White House Cited My Research to Justify Tariffs. It Got It All Wrong.’ This math error had the effect of quadrupling the tariffs Trump applied to some of our biggest trading partners.

    “Trump exempted some goods – notably oil – but not others, including things we simply cannot produce in the United States. Why tariff bananas? Why tariff cocoa? Why tariff coffee? We don’t have the capacity to produce these things at a scale that meets domestic demand.

    “Trump logic equates any trade deficit with ‘cheating,’ in fact he called it ‘rape.’ But even this stupid logic didn’t help Australia or Brazil or Singapore, all countries with whom we have a trade surplus. How does Australia negotiate an end to a trade deficit that doesn’t exist?

    “Some countries have a deficit because we import things we want but they are too poor to afford our exports. A perfect example is Madagascar. We buy something like 60 percent of our vanilla from Madagascar, but they have one of the lowest GDP-per-capita rates in the world, and they just can’t afford many of our products. We just hit them with a 47% tariff.

    Trump is hinting that maybe if countries lower tariffs on us he might drop tariffs on them, a little bit or some or possibly. But Vietnam, knowing that Trump was coming, massively cut their tariffs on the U.S. to appease him ahead of his announcement last week. Instead you slapped a 46% tariff on them anyway. So what are the Vietnamese supposed to do?

    “Trump declared a phony national emergency and imposed tariffs on Canada to punish our closest ally for ‘fentanyl smuggling,’ despite the fact that our own government says the amount of smuggling at the northern border is vanishingly small, less than one percent. How does Canada get out of tariffs imposed for something we admit they’re not doing?

    “Trump is risking our economy to bring back factory jobs that pay far less than the 8 million jobs listed in the JOLTS report right now, 8 million jobs available in America, that pay far more in fast-growing like health care, clean energy, or data science.

    “The Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, is on television raving about shifting millions of Americans to work on, and I quote, “screwing in little screws to make iPhones.”

    “You guys are blasting nearly every product from nearly every country with these tariffs, Senator Tillis yesterday called it ‘a trade war on all fronts.’ It hurts our alliances, it is hurting our economy, it hurts our ability to make and keep free trade agreements – which is supposedly your job.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Local News – Nominations now open for 2025 Porirua Civic Awards

    Source: Porirua City Council

    Porirua City Council is calling for nominations for the city’s highest honour. The Porirua Civic Awards recognise locals who have made a significant contribution to the Porirua community by their personal leadership, inspiration, sacrifice or commitment to a cause.
    Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says volunteers are at the heart of our community with many working tirelessly behind the scenes on a wide range of activities. “Porirua Civic Awards give us a chance to recognise and thank individual volunteers for their efforts and encourage them to keep up the good work achieving positive outcomes for Porirua city,” she says. “Porirua is a city with a fantastic network of volunteers. If you know someone who’s made a difference in your community, nominate them today!” This year’s Civic Awards have an additional category, service to sport. The full list of categories, and some of the criteria, is outlined below:
    • Community service: Consistently demonstrates qualities of compassion and service to a community organisation or a variety of volunteer activities
    • Cultural & art affairs: Improvement and enhancement of participation in cultural affairs, including heritage, music and the arts
    • Educational service: Improvement and enhancement of the educational and social development of others including children and/or youth
    • Environmental: Taking a leadership role in improving and/or revitalising the environment
    • Health & wellbeing: Enhancing the health and wellbeing of our community
    • Service to sport: An individual honoured for exceptional commitment and dedication, who has significantly contributed to a club, association or sport and has gone the extra mile for an extended period of time
    • Youth service: For young people aged 15-25 who have carried out outstanding voluntary service. The emphasis should be on how actively involved the young person has been in their community.
    Nominations close on 19 May, with Council considering nominations on 12 June. Recipients will be notified later in June, before a Civic Awards event on 22 July. “Nominations are also open for the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards, which celebrate volunteer groups that make a valuable contribution to our city, and to our region,” says Mayor Baker.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Department of Defense completes Underway Recovery Test 12 with NASA

    Source: United States Navy Pacific Fleet 1

    NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems Landing and Recovery team and the Department of Defense successfully completed the third recovery test for the crewed Artemis II mission aboard amphibious transport dock USS Somerset (LPD 25) off the coast of San Diego, March 31.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Mixed results in Medibank class action on privilege claims over investigation reports

    Source: Allens Insights (legal sector)

    Multi-purpose reports remain most challenging for privilege 9 min read

    A recent Federal Court decision has further highlighted the challenges of maintaining privilege claims over third-party investigation reports. This is particularly relevant where those reports are—or become—relied on for non-legal purposes, including operational, regulatory and public or investor relations.

    Medibank has had mixed results in defending challenges to privilege claims over a series of third-party reports relating to its 2022 major data breach. It successfully defended claims over narrower and more targeted reports and communications with CyberCX, Coveware, CrowdStrike and Threat Intelligence, including, eg, those concerning negotiations with the threat actor.

    However, Medibank failed to sustain its claim over three wider-ranging reports prepared by consultant Deloitte, which the court found had multiple purposes, with the legal purpose not being predominant.

    While the court’s reasoning is consistent with the Full Federal Court’s decision in Singtel Optus Pty Ltd v Robertson [2024] FCAFC 58 (see our previous Insight), it demonstrates that the challenges of maintaining privilege claims can remain even when detailed witness evidence is carefully prepared to support those claims.

    Medibank has sought leave to appeal the court’s decision in relation to the reports by Deloitte.

    This Insight considers the implications of the decision and outlines practical steps to take when an investigation report is commissioned for a legal purpose.

    Key takeaways

    • The Federal Court has rejected Medibank’s privilege claims over three factual investigation reports prepared by Deloitte following a major data breach, but has accepted communications and reports from cybersecurity firms CrowdStrike and Threat Intelligence as privileged.
    • The decision is largely consistent with the Full Federal Court’s recent decision on similar privilege claims in the Optus data breach class action, further highlighting the difficulties associated with claiming privilege over investigation reports prepared for multiple purposes, including legal, governance, regulatory compliance and/or operational purposes.
    • The legal purpose for preparing a report must predominate other purposes—this is generally assessed at the time the report was commissioned, but later evidence can inform this assessment, particularly where the purpose evolves.
    • It is not sufficient merely to assert that a document is privileged or, for that matter, to adduce evidence only from inhouse counsel. Courts will rigorously examine the nature of the document and the surrounding circumstances to determine the document’s dominant purpose. In this case, that process involved focused cross-examination of Medibank’s CEO and chair.
    • The decision also further highlights the risks associated with making public statements about investigation reports, particularly the potential for those statements to highlight a material non-legal purpose of the document or otherwise to waive any legal privilege that attaches to it.

    Background

    From August to October 2022, Medibank experienced a cyber incident where cyber criminals accessed its IT systems and exfiltrated customer data. In a subsequent class action against Medibank, the applicants sought production of several reports prepared by Deloitte, CrowdStrike and Threat Intelligence, as well as communications involving CyberCX and Coveware. Medibank claimed legal privilege over these documents, contending that were created for the dominant purpose of obtaining legal advice or for use in any litigation relating to the cyber incident.

    CyberCX, Coveware, CrowdStrike and Threat Intelligence reports privileged

    Justice Rofe held that Medibank’s communications with, and reports prepared by, cybersecurity experts CyberCX, Coveware, CrowdStrike and Threat Intelligence were privileged because the evidence established that those firms were engaged by Medibank’s lawyers for the dominant purpose of providing technical assistance and advice to enable Medibank’s lawyers to provide legal advice, including in relation to legal proceedings. For example, the reports were used for the purposes of briefing counsel, responding to regulatory notices, and preparing Medibank’s defence in the proceeding.1

    Importantly, even though the scope of services provided by those firms to Medibank’s lawyers was not, in many cases, materially different from the scope of services already being provided to Medibank under previous direct engagements, Justice Rofe held that the relevant consideration is the purpose for which the relevant documents came into existence, and that the scope of services was only one factor to consider. In these cases, the documents being created possessed a dominant legal purpose.2

    Deloitte reports not privileged

    Justice Rofe decided that the three reports prepared by Deloitte were not privileged because the provision of legal advice was not the dominant purpose for which they were commissioned. Rather, the following purposes were found to be ‘at least equally dominant, if not more dominant’:3

    • Assuaging market and consumer concerns: Medibank made numerous public references to the commissioning of the external review and the appointment of Deloitte, including in ASX announcements and communications with employees, customers and health partners. These statements stated that Medibank, not its lawyers, were responsible for commissioning the report, and that the purpose of the report was to ‘protect and safeguard customers’.4 These statements were considered strong evidence that one of the dominant purposes of the report was assuaging market and consumer concerns.
    • Avoiding independent APRA review: evidence was given that a key concern for Medibank was to avoid the need for the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) to conduct its own review of the data breach, which it was highly unlikely to avoid unless Medibank conducted a review in accordance with APRA’s requirements. The close communication between APRA and Medibank regarding the scope of the review (which notably did not copy in any of Medibank’s lawyers in most instances) and the ‘tri-partite’ meetings between Medibank, APRA and Deloitte were considered strong evidence that one of the dominant purposes of the report was avoiding an APRA investigation.5

    The applicants also submitted that the board’s oversight role in the production of the reports demonstrated a further governance purpose. While Justice Rofe did not decide that this governance purpose was equally dominant as the legal purpose, her Honour did find that certain factors weighed against the dominant purpose being the legal purpose, including the board’s desire for an overview of what had occurred, rather than for unvarnished legal advice, and the direct reporting by Deloitte to the board, rather than via Medibank’s lawyers.6

    Although Justice Rofe found that the Deloitte reports were not privileged from the outset, her Honour decided that Medibank’s public statement, which referred to the implementation of one of the Deloitte reports’ recommendations, would have waived privilege in the document because Medibank was seeking to take advantage of its implementation of the recommendations resulting from the external incident review to deflect criticism, and enhance or maintain its good standing in the eyes of its shareholders and customers, and its share price. In the circumstances, her Honour observed that Medibank ‘cannot at the same time maintain privilege in that part of the report setting out the recommendations to enhance Medibank’s IT processes and systems‘.7

    Consistency with Optus’s privilege claims

    Justice Rofe’s reasoning is largely consistent with the Full Federal Court’s recent decision in the Optus data breach class action. In that case, Optus’s privilege claim over the Deloitte report failed because it was not created for the dominant purpose of legal advice or litigation, but rather for multiple purposes, including operational, governance, regulatory and public relations purposes.8

    The failure of the privilege claim in that case was, in large part, because testimonial evidence of Optus’s general counsel to the effect that the legal purpose of the investigation report was the dominant purpose was contradicted by Optus’s public statements and board materials.

    In contrast, in this case, Medibank adduced very detailed and focused testimonial  evidence of the Deloitte reports’ legal purpose, including from their CEO and chair. Even adopting that approach, Justice Rofe decided that the testimonial evidence was insufficient to outweigh contemporaneous documentary evidence, including Medibank’s repeated public references to the review’s purpose being to learn from the incident so as to protect customer data, as well as the close ongoing communication between Deloitte and APRA without Medibank’s lawyers. This contextual evidence tended to indicate that, despite the testimony given by various executives, parts of the business were not aligned on the legal purpose being the dominant one, with the board using the reports for a variety of functions. This further highlights that courts will not hesitate to disregard witness testimony where there is contradictory contextual evidence, and underscores the importance of ensuring whole-of-business alignment in treating documents in a practical sense as being for a legal purpose, rather than simply agreeing that they are.

    Implications

    This decision highlights the challenges in seeking to claim privilege over investigation reports and root cause analyses that follow material events, such as cyber incidents, and demonstrates that oral testimony, including statements of individuals’ subjective intentions, will not necessarily be determinative of the question of whether a legal purpose is dominant.

    It demonstrates the importance of carefully considering the purpose(s) that the report is intended to serve before it is commissioned. Where it is likely to be used for multiple purposes, separate, dedicated reports may be more appropriate. Where it is intended that the dominant purpose of any report is a legal one, it is critical that the entire business is aligned on that purpose and that no steps are taken, such as making public statements or statements to regulators, that could compromise that alignment by exposing the existence of another non-legal purpose.

    As noted above, Medibank has sought leave to appeal the court’s decision in relation to the reports by Deloitte.

    Practical steps to take

    When an investigation report is commissioned for a legal purpose, it is important to:

    • Go beyond declarations of privilege: ensure that there is alignment across the business on the dominance of the legal purpose and that the business acts consistently with that alignment, including by:
      • ensuring that the terms of reference and engagement are formulated to confine the scope of the report to legal advice;
      • avoiding or otherwise limiting public statements or statements to regulators that could compromise that alignment, eg by suggesting the existence of material non-legal purposes or by waiving any privilege that subsists in the report; and
      • communicating through appropriate legal channels, including ensuring that internal or external lawyers, rather than the board, have responsibility for oversight of the investigation.
    • Consider commissioning separate investigation reports: where a factual investigation is intended to be taken for legal and non-legal purposes, consider commissioning separate legal and non-legal reports. The utility and effect of this approach will depend, at least in part, on the extent to which the content of each report will differ. The courts will be sceptical of so-called privileged reports that cover matters of operational significance that are not also covered in the non-privileged report.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amo Shares Rhode Islander’s Story to Defend Medicaid from Planned Republican Cuts

    Source: US Congressman Gabe Amo (Rhode Island 1st District)

    Al of East Providence shared his fears at Amo’s town hall last week about the possible impact of Republican’s budget plans

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01), a member of the House Budget Committee, once again slammed the latest Republican budget resolution, which threatens devastating cuts to critical programs. In his remarks, Amo spoke about the story of Al, a 74-year-old resident of East Providence who relies on Medicaid and Medicare to make ends meet.

    “Despite the overwhelming majority crying out for everyday Americans over the whims of billionaires, clearly Republicans don’t care about the facts or figures. So maybe they’ll listen to my constituent Al,” said Congressman Gabe Amo, a member of the House Committee on Budget, on the House Floor. “Al is a 74-year-old resident of an assisted living facility in East Providence. He is petrified that Republican cuts will force him on the street. Al needs Medicare and Medicaid to make ends meet. Even with assistance, he lives on $120 a month — $30 a week. It’s not fear mongering to say Republican plans would hurt Al.”

    Watch Congressman Amo’s remarks HERE

    BACKGROUND
    Congressman Amo serves on the House Committee on the Budget to fight for budget priorities that reflect Rhode Island values and the needs of working families across the country. The committee is also the first step in the reconciliation process the Republican House majority is using to push the Trump Tax Scam 2.0 — a plan that could cut key programs like SNAP and Medicaid.

    On February 25, 2025, Congressman Amo took to the House Floor to slam the Republican budget resolution that threatens devastating cuts to critical programs.

    On February 24, 2025, Congressman Amo submitted two amendments to the House Committee on Rules to protect SNAP and affirm that Medicaid is a critical program for more than 306,000 Rhode Island residents.

    On February 19, 2025, Congressman Amo visited the Barrington Peck Center for Adult Enrichment where he spoke about his support for critical programs like Medicare and Medicaid. There, Congressman Amo discussed his work on the Budget Committee to protect these programs from Republican cuts.

    On February 20, 2025,Congressman Gabe Amo joined Dean Ashish Jha of Brown University’s School of Public Health to reaffirm his support for funding health care facilities that provide comprehensive primary care to medically underserved communities, as well as his work to protect critical funding for medical research and public health programs under threat due to cuts by the Trump administration.

    During the House Budget Committee markup on February 13, 2025, Congressman Amo offered two amendments to support protecting and extending Medicare’s solvency as well as protect SNAP, the Community Eligibility Provision, the School Breakfast Program, and the National School Lunch Program.

    The Republican budget resolution directs specific committees to achieve spending cuts or increases. Republicans leaked menu of options includes:

    • At least $880 billion in cuts for the Energy and Commerce Committee, which could target Medicaid, Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium assistance, and repeal Inflation Reduction Act policies.
    • At least $330 billion in cuts for the Education and Workforce Committee, which could target student loan programs, income driven repayment, and Pell grants, Head Start, and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
    • At least $230 billion in cuts for the Agriculture Committee, which could target SNAP.
    • At least $50 billion in cuts for the Oversight Committee, which could target government employee retirement benefits and changes to federal workforce.
    • At least $10 billion in cuts for the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which could target restricting Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding, Essential Air Service, increasing the “tonnage tax” on cargo, and raiding the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund.
    • At least $1 billion in cuts for the Financial Services Committee, which could target the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and funding for financial regulators.
    • At least $1 billion in cuts for the Natural Resources Committee, which could include expanded oil and gas leasing and the repeal of Inflation Reduction Act policies. 
    • Up to $4.5 trillion in new spending for the Ways and Means Committee, which could include tax cuts for the top one percent, repeal of Inflation Reduction Act policies, cuts to Temporary Assistance to Needy Families and Social Services Block Grant, cuts in Medicare payments to providers, and cuts to ACA premium assistance.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto Joins Press Conference Highlighting Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Invest in Local Law Enforcement

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    FTPs for TV stations is available here.

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) spoke at a press conference to highlight the urgent need to pass her bipartisan Invest to Protect Act. She was joined by Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.-05) and John Rutherford (R-Fla.-05) who introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives, as well as by local law enforcement officers.

    “Local police departments are the backbone of public safety for communities across the Silver State, but in conversations with law enforcement officers, I have heard over and over again that they need more resources,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This bipartisan, bicameral legislation gives small departments across the country a boost in funding for training, recruitment, and mental health support. It’s commonsense, and it’s time to get it done.”

    “The bipartisan Invest to Protect Act will make critical investments in our departments and ensure that our police officers in smaller towns across New Jersey, and our nation, have the resources and training they need to keep themselves and communities safe,” said Congressman Gottheimer. “If you want to make something better, you don’t get there by cutting or defunding. You need to make smart, targeted investments. You must invest, not defund. You can have both justice and public safety. You don’t have to pick between one or the other. This bipartisan legislation will help ensure we have both and protect our communities and officers.”

    “Small police forces are often the most resource constrained agencies and suffer the most from a lack of operational equipment and services,” said Congressman Rutherford. “As a former sheriff and career law enforcement officer, I am proud to join Congressman Gottheimer to reintroduce the Invest to Protect Act in the House to make trainings, retention tools, and mental health care resources more readily available for departments with fewer than 175 officers. It’s important we streamline the grant process for smaller law enforcement agencies to provide them with the resources they need to protect our communities nationwide.”

    The majority of law enforcement agencies in the U.S. are smaller than 175 full-time sworn officers, including all of Nevada’s rural sheriff’s departments and key suburban departments such as the Sparks Police Department. In Nevada and nationwide, these small departments often struggle to access critical resources. Cortez Masto’s bipartisan Invest to Protect Act would establish a grant program through the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program to provide $250 million specifically to help these small law enforcement agencies make meaningful investments in their officers and communities. This bill is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police and the National Association of Police Organizations.

    As the former top law enforcement official in Nevada, Senator Cortez Masto has been a leading advocate in the Senate for our police officers and is part of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus. She has secured historic funding for the Byrne JAG grant program, the leading source of criminal justice funding in the country. Her bipartisan bills to combat the crisis of law enforcement suicide and provide mental health resources to police officers have been signed into law by presidents of both parties. Her BADGES for Native Communities Act, to support the Bureau of Indian Affairs with law enforcement recruitment and retention, passed the Senate last Congress.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto Demands Trump Administration Provide Plan to Address Impact of Trump Tariffs, Other Executive Action on Tourism

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik, U.S. Department of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, National Economic Council (NEC) Director Dr. Kevin Hassett, and Ambassador Jamieson Greer (USTR) demanding they provide their plan to mitigate the economic stress caused by the implementation of President Donald Trump’s tariffs and other executive actions. The Senator especially expressed concern about these efforts and their harms to the Nevada, and broader U.S., travel and tourism industry.

    Nevada is one of the top five states most visited by international travelers, and the industry makes up nearly 16 percent of the state’s economy, generating $23.6 billion in total income. As of 2024, more than 300,000 Nevadans are employed by our tourism industry, including more than 60,000 union members.

    “Among the Trump Administration’s unclear executive orders, actual and threatened executive actions, and the work of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), there has been no transparency about the negative impacts these actions will have on the United States,” wrote the Senator. “These efforts have resulted in damaging trade policies, frozen federal funding, a gutted federal workforce, and have extended Presidential authority beyond legal limits, all creating real consequences for working families, small businesses, and industries. I cannot stress enough the need for the Trump Administration to seriously consider the devastating impacts your actions are having on our nation’s tourism economy.”

    Cortez Masto listed a handful of policies that are having a detrimental impact on the tourism industry, including:

    • the threats and application of tariffs to nations including America’s allies;
    • the increasingly aggressive – and questionably legal – procedures being utilized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection;
    • the freezing or eliminating of federal funding supporting transportation infrastructure, National Parks, and cultural sites;
    • and the firing of employees across the federal government.

    “Because of the lack of transparency regarding the negative impacts of the Trump Administration’s actions, I am writing to underscore a concern about these efforts and their harm on our nation’s travel and tourism sector, request information on how you are mitigating the economic stress, and offer solutions,” continued the Senator. “It is a fact that the travel industry is seeing a noticeable decrease in room bookings, business travel, and recreational visits from both domestic and international travel. This sector is fundamental to my home state of Nevada and its hundreds of thousands of hardworking men and women who work in events, entertainment, and hospitality.”

    The travel and tourism industry represents 2.5 percent of the national Gross Domestic Product and supports over 15 million American jobs. Travel experts estimate the number of people arriving to the U.S. from abroad to decline by 9.4% in 2025 and travel spending to fall 12.3%, resulting in a $22 billion annual loss nationally. The domestic travel industry has seen devastating impacts as well – in February, U.S. consumer spending on air travel dropped 10 percent and spending on hotels dropped 6 percent relative to a year ago.

    Read the full letter here.

    Senator Cortez Masto has continued to push the Trump Administration to address the impacts of Trump’s tariffs on working families. Earlier today, during a Senate Finance Committee hearing, Cortez Masto pressed U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer about the impacts of President Trump’s blanket tariffs on Nevadans, particularly those employed in the tourism and hospitality industry. Earlier this month, the Senator introduced the Tariff Transparency Act to require the U.S. International Trade Commission to investigate how Donald Trump’s recent tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada will impact the American people and make that information public. Senator Cortez Masto also wrote a letter to Secretary of Defense Hegseth and Secretary of Treasury Bessent demanding answers on the national security impacts on President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Visits Southern Colorado to Discuss Colorado’s Leadership in Aerospace, Public Safety, Workforce Development & Saving Coloradans Money

    Source: US State of Colorado

    SOUTHERN COLORADO – Today, Governor Polis was in Colorado Springs and Pueblo focusing on Colorado’s nation-leading aerospace industry, and Colorado’s efforts to save people money, improve public safety, and strengthen the state’s workforce.

    Governor Polis attended the 2025 Space Symposium conference highlighting Colorado’s leadership in the aerospace sector and speaking with industry and business leaders from around the world. At the symposium, the Governor joined with Swisspod to announce their expanded presence in Colorado, including X new jobs. He also signed a Memorandum of Collaboration with New Zealand’s Space Minister Juidth Collins to strengthen the partnership between Colorado and New Zealand around aerospace, quantum and geothermal technology.

    “In Colorado, we are focused on our nation-leading work in the Aerospace industry, creating new pathways for Aerospace businesses to thrive and grow in our state, and maintaining mission readiness to ensure national security. Despite Trump’s reckless tariffs, which are threatening Colorado’s aerospace industry, workforce and military readiness, we continue working to ensure that Colorado remains the best in the nation for aerospace. I am glad  to be joined by leaders from around the world to discuss innovative ways to utilize and strengthen the aerospace economy and protect our robust space ecosystem in Colorado,” said Governor Polis.

    Earlier in the week, Lt. Governor Dianne Primvavera and co-chair of Colorado Space Coalition also toured the symposium and spoke with business and industry leaders.

    “Colorado is proud to be a national leader across national security, civil, and commercial space. From advancing space exploration to ensuring our national security in the space domain, space touches every aspect of American life,” said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera. “We are thrilled to once again welcome the global space community to Colorado Springs for the Space Symposium—an event that showcases the groundbreaking work being done right here in our state. As this ecosystem continues to grow, the Polis-Primavera administration remains committed to fostering innovation and collaboration.”

    Colorado is first in the nation for the concentration of aerospace jobs, and second nationally for total aerospace employment with more than 55,000 employees at over 2,000 Colorado aerospace companies. Colorado is also proud to be home to key national security space missions, including U.S. Space Command, U.S. Space Force Space Operations Command, and the majority of operational U.S. Space Force deltas as well asNORAD, where members of the Canadian Armed Forces are stationed and work closely alongside American counterparts to protect North American aerospace and maritime security. All of which is threatened by Trump’s tariffs. Colorado in 2024 exported $500 million in aerospace, spacecraft and related parts, accounting for roughly 4.8% of all Colorado exports. The European Union, Brazil, France, Canada and Mexico were the top five export destinations, accounting for 63% of Colorado’s aerospace exports. In 2024, Colorado imported $1 Billion of aerospace, spacecraft and related parts, accounting for roughly 6.2% of all Colorado imports. Switzerland, the EU, Germany, Canada, and France were the top five import sources, accounting for over 90% of Colorado’s aerospace imports.

    The Governor also visited Safe Passage, an accredited Children Advocacy Center in Colorado Springs. Safe Passage gives abused children and adults a voice and enables the healing process by acting as the single source of contact for medical, investigative, and legal services. Colorado is committed to increasing public safety for everyone, and creating more pathways for children to get the necessary resources needed to heal.

    “No child deserves to endure abuse or mistreatment, which is why in Colorado we are working to increase public safety and invest in more resources for victims and survivors. The caretakers at Safe Passage are doing incredible work to support victims and guide them through the healing process to a brighter future,” said Governor Polis.

    Governor Polis made two visits in Pueblo, the first focused on Colorado’s work to strengthen the state’s healthcare workforce through Opportunity Now.

    The Office of Economic Development and International Trade’s (OEDIT) Opportunity Now program has invested $1.4 million to help Coloradans train as nurses at CSU-Pueblo through the Southern Colorado Partners Leading Advancement in Nursing Track (PLANT). This effort serves 15 counties in Southern Colorado and is focused on reducing the infant mortality rate and improving quality of care for Coloradans over the age of 65.

    “In Colorado, we are committed to investing in our healthcare workforce to help save Coloradans more money on healthcare. Creating avenues where Colordans can earn the skills necessary to fill gaps in our rural healthcare system is crucial to expanding coverage for families, and older adults in Southern Colorado to receive the necessary care they deserve,” said Governor Polis.

    Next, Governor Polis visited with AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) members in Pueblo who are working to help Coloradans file taxes for free and take advantage of tax credits that save people money. This effort is supported by United Way of Pueblo county, and partially funded by the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment’s Economic Mobility program. The AmeriCorps team began their work in January and will serve through April 11.The AmeriCorps NCCC team also spends one day a week supporting food security in Pueblo with Rocky Mountain Service, Employment and Redevelopment.

    “We want every Coloradan to take advantage of the tax credits available in our state, and this team of Americorps members, as well as others around the state, are helping to make that possible and they’re doing it for free. Their service is breaking through the hassle that doing taxes can be, and we appreciate their service,” said Governor Jared Polis.

    ###
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Global Bodies – Parliamentarians champion social development and justice at Tashkent Assembly – IPU

    Source: Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

    The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has successfully concluded its 150th Assembly in Tashkent, hosted by the Parliament of Uzbekistan. This landmark Assembly gathered nearly 1400 delegates, including some 740 members of parliament from approximately 130 countries.

    The presence of over 100 Speakers and Deputy Speakers of Parliament underscored the increasing recognition of parliamentary diplomacy as a vital complement to traditional international relations, especially at a time of significant geopolitical tensions.

    Highlighting the importance of the event, the President of Uzbekistan, Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, addressed the Assembly in a special plenary session.

    Women MPs comprised over 37% of the parliamentarians at the Assembly, their highest representation at an IPU Assembly since 2022.

    The Tashkent Declaration: A call for social development and justice

    The global parliamentary community adopted the Tashkent Declaration on Parliamentary action for social development and justice, emphasizing the need for renewed efforts on social development to address ongoing and emerging challenges.

    The declaration highlights that the global social development agenda, initiated 30 years ago, has only been partially realized. It calls for a policy reset to balance market demands with the needs of the people, focusing on three key areas:

    investing in people to lift them from poverty to prosperity;
    democratizing the economy to benefit those who historically have been deprived of their fair share, particularly women and youth; and
    strengthening institutions, including through broad participation in the regulation of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence.

    Parliaments are urged to develop national plans for social development and engage in debates ahead of the Second World Summit for Social Development in Qatar in November 2025.

    Gender equality takes centre stage

    The IPU celebrated 40 years of its Forum for Women Parliamentarians, a unique platform driving significant advancements in gender equality and women’s empowerment.

    Against the backdrop of challenges to women’s rights and the stagnation of female parliamentary representation at 27.2%, the IPU launched its new gender campaign for 2025, Achieving gender equality: Action by action.

    The campaign aims to mobilize the global parliamentary community to accelerate progress in achieving gender equality in politics and society.

    Other outcomes and meetings

    The Assembly adopted two critical resolutions:

    The role of parliaments in advancing a two-State solution in Palestine: This resolution emphasizes the role of parliaments in promoting a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on international law. It calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the lifting of blockades, and the release of hostages, as well as urging support for humanitarian efforts and compliance with international law. It also urges parliaments to use their legislative powers to reinforce support for a two-State solution, ensuring the recognition of both Israel and Palestine as independent sovereign States.

    Parliamentary strategies to mitigate the long-lasting impact of conflicts, including armed conflicts, on sustainable development: This resolution addresses how conflicts hinder progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. It highlights the role of parliaments in mitigating the negative effects of conflicts, promoting peace, and ensuring the protection of infrastructure and humanitarian principles. The resolution stresses the importance of human rights, environmental considerations, and inclusive governance in post-conflict reconstruction.

    The Assembly also featured sessions on various topics, including the role of the BRICS in international relations, tackling weapons of mass destruction, preventing illegal adoptions, addressing the effects of armed conflict on children, advocating for climate action and reducing methane emissions.

    Elections

    Several new nominations and elections were also announced, including Ms. Gabriela Morawska-Stanecka (Poland) as IPU Vice-President, Ms. Noor Abugoush (Jordan) as President of the Bureau of Young Parliamentarians, and a second term for Ms. Cynthia López Castro (Mexico) as President of the Bureau of Women Parliamentarians.

    Quotes

    President of the 150th IPU Assembly and Chairperson of the Senate of Uzbekistan, Ms. Tanzila Narbaeva, said: “This Assembly underscores Uzbekistan’s parliamentary leadership on the international stage and reflects confidence in the country’s reform agenda. The Tashkent Declaration will serve as a roadmap for global social progress and justice.”

    IPU President, Dr. Tulia Ackson, said: “From the get-go, this Assembly has carried a sense of significance with the commemoration of the 150 occasions where the world’s parliamentarians have come together. This Organization has stood the test of time. But I would also like to say that our mission remains of profound importance, perhaps more so today than ever before. The world needs parliamentary diplomacy. We look forward to the next 150 IPU Assemblies, and to the generations they will serve.”

    IPU Secretary General, Mr. Martin Chungong, said: “Many delegates have pointed out that they come to IPU Assemblies not just to hear views that chime with their own, but to hear all sides of the argument. To be challenged, to break free of their echo chambers, to look at the world through different eyes. And although parliamentarians may not always agree, they are still enriched by what they have learned along the way thanks to the IPU.”

    The IPU is the global organization of national parliaments. It was founded in 1889 as the first multilateral political organization in the world, encouraging cooperation and dialogue between all nations. Today, the IPU comprises 182 national Member Parliaments and 15 regional parliamentary bodies. It promotes peace, democracy and sustainable development. It helps parliaments become stronger, younger, greener, more innovative and gender-balanced. It also defends the human rights of parliamentarians through a dedicated committee made up of MPs from around the world.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – Improved mental health support for diverse communities – AMES

    Source: AMES

    Diverse communities will have better access to mental health support thanks to a new partnership between settlement agency AMES Australia and mental health agency Beyond Blue.

    The partnership is delivering a new set of resources to help migrant and refugee communities address mental health issues, recently launched at the Melbourne Multicultural Hub.

    The AMES-Beyond Blue partnership is aimed at making it easier and more efficient for people to find the support that best suits them, when they need it.

    AMES Australia CEO Cath Scarth said the partnership would help improve access to mental health support for migrant and refugee communities.

    “We know that refugees and migrants are among the most vulnerable in our society to the effects of poor mental health. We also know that they often find it difficult to access services of all kinds, including mental health support,” Cath said.

    Domestic violence survivor Uyen Truong says the resources would have made a difference in her life when she became the victim of an abusive controlling relationship.

    “I had no money of my own, I wasn’t allowed to learn English and I had no freedom to meet people. And I couldn’t even wear the clothes I wanted to,” Ms Truong said.

    “My husband was not violent, but he made my life miserable. I tried to end my life a few times.”

    “Having access to mental health care at the time would have made a world of difference,” she said.

    Uyen left her husband in 2015 with her three children and found support through women’s refuges, a kindly social worker and through government programs. But with virtually no English, she faced a long journey in rebuilding her life.

    “When I left, I couldn’t speak English, I didn’t know how to use public transport and I had no family or friends to help me,” she said.

    “Having some mental health support when going through what I went though is so important,’” Ms Truong said.

    Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman said the partnership will address the unique mental health needs of individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (CALD), particularly those for whom English is a second language, or who have poor literacy levels.

    “By working together, we aim to promote the importance of good mental health and destigmatisation and deepen understandings of mental health support services across the community.

    “We hope that by coming together, we can ensure that mental health support is accessible, and comprehensive to those who need it most,” she said.

    AMES community development officer Reshma Manandhar told the initiative’s recent launch event of her own struggles with post-natal depression and the need for diverse communities to talk about mental health.

    “We all need to understand that it is OK to talk about these issues and it is OK to ask for help. So having resources out in the community informing people how they can get that help is important,” Ms Mananadhar said.

    The partnership will improve access to mental health resources and information on supports/services for many marginalised communities; including refugees and migrants, and those who face additional barriers to accessing help.

    With one third of people in Australia born overseas, an increase in people finding refuge and safety in Australia, the continued impact of racism and discrimination, and current global conflicts, the need for more inclusive approaches to mental health is greater than ever.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Delegation Welcomes $25 Million FAA Investment in Alaska Aviation Safety

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan

    04.09.25

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, and Congressman Nick Begich (all R-Alaska) today welcomed a $25 million investment in Alaska aviation safety by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as part of the FAA’s Don Young Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative (DYAASI). This investment is a result of a Sullivan provision in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 authorizing $25 million annually for DYAASI from FY 2025 through 2028. The initiative was established by the FAA in response to a 2020 National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report on Alaska’s high rates of aviation accidents and fatalities, and focuses on prioritizing funding for the most safety critical systems.

    Additionally, in accordance with the requirements of the FAA legislation, the FAA recently announced it will be expanding the FAA’s use of satellites in Alaska—growing from four testing sites to 16—to help support connectivity at weather monitoring sites, particularly in the more remote parts of the state.

    “In Alaska, aviation is absolutely essential. Yet many of our rural communities either have poorly maintained safety and telecommunications infrastructure, or lack it altogether, leaving them without vital weather data,” said Sen. Sullivan. “This amplifies the risks in a state that already has unacceptably high rates of aviation accidents and fatalities. As a member of the Commerce Committee overseeing the FAA, I worked hard to secure many provisions in the recent FAA reauthorization requiring the agency to focus on and robustly invest in Alaska aviation safety. That work is paying off today with this significant down payment on new technologies and updates to the vital systems we need to make flying in Alaska safer and more reliable. In the absence of Congress executing a full year’s appropriations bill, this is an example of how long-term strategy and working with the administration can produce positive, sustainable results. I very much appreciate Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau for recognizing the unique challenges our state faces and for their strong commitment to Alaska.”

    “Don Young spent his 49-year career fighting to make aviation safer for Alaskans – and we continue to build on that legacy,” said Sen. Murkowski. “Last summer, I convened a summit of government agencies and companies responsible for maintaining the Automated Surface Observing Systems (ASOS) in Yakutat to collaborate on better practices to reduce flight delays and bolster safety for travelers. The $25 million that I fought to include in appropriations for the Don Young Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative will pave the way for significant progress towards that goal by investing in critical upgrades to our aviation weather reporting systems. I commend the FAA for following through on this objective and partnering with the delegation to make this investment a reality, and I appreciate that Secretary Duffy has made this an early priority. Our state has an all-too tragic history of fatal air crashes, and I’m committed to doing everything in my power to ensure that we are able to confidently, and safely, take off and land at any airport in Alaska. This announcement today helps make aviation safer for all.”

    “Alaska must be the gold standard in aviation safety. It is critically important to ensure that every flight is backed by the technology, data, and the resources needed to make aviation safer in Alaska and throughout our nation. That is what we owe the people of Alaska,” said Congressman Begich. “This $25 million investment through the Don Young Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative is an important step toward modernizing the infrastructure that so many Alaskans rely on every day, and I commend the FAA for their continued efforts to make aviation safety a priority for Alaska. As a member of the House Aviation Subcommittee, I will continue to work with President Trump and Secretary Duffy on the Administration’s broader vision to modernize our national airspace system.”

    Background on DYAASI

    A February 2020 NTSB report identified a recent 10-year period during which the total accident rate in Alaska was 2.35 times higher than the rest of the United States. During the same period, the fatal accident rate in Alaska was 1.34 times higher. One critical aspect of safety, as referenced in the 2020 report, is access to reliable weather data.

    The FAA’s DYAASI is an effort to respond to the February 2020 NTSB report and the Alaska Aviation Safety Summit. DYAASI identifies safety improvements and investments for the Alaska Region, and aims to make progress on the effort and for the FAA and Department of Transportation (DOT) to take a holistic view of DOT programs. This effort was codified and strengthened in the 2024 FAA reauthorization.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China unveils plan to boost health-related consumption

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

    BEIJING, April 9 — Chinese authorities on Wednesday released an action plan to boost health-related consumption as the country moves to improve the quality of its health products and services, and to meet the people’s expanding needs in their pursuit of a better life.

    To spur such spending, China will work to increase the healthiness of people’s diets and improve the market supply of special foods, according to the plan, which was formulated by the country’s commerce ministry and 11 other government departments.

    The supply of high-quality agricultural products will be strengthened, and there will be a crackdown on illegal food additives, per the plan. Medical and health institutions will be guided to provide dietary and exercise guidance for people with hypertension, diabetes, obesity and other medical conditions.

    China will create more fitness and sports consumption scenarios and develop its sports tourism, according to the plan. The transformation and upgrading of the sports goods manufacturing sector will also be accelerated on the back of technologies and smart applications.

    The country will also bolster market services for the elderly, and the plan pledges efforts to facilitate their online and offline consumption, and to enrich their cultural life. Additionally, the supply of tourism products for China’s silver-haired population will be increased.

    Work will also be done to develop new service businesses such as those providing health examinations, consultations and management, and to accelerate the establishment of rehabilitation hospitals, nursing homes and palliative care institutions, according to the plan.

    China’s per capita spending on health care stood at 2,547 yuan (about 353 U.S. dollars) last year, accounting for 9 percent of the country’s total per capita consumption expenditure, official data shows.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance

    Source: The White House

    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:

    Section 1.  Purpose.  The commercial shipbuilding capacity and maritime workforce of the United States has been weakened by decades of Government neglect, leading to the decline of a once strong industrial base while simultaneously empowering our adversaries and eroding United States national security.  Both our allies and our strategic competitors produce ships for a fraction of the cost needed in the United States.  Recent data shows that the United States constructs less than one percent of commercial ships globally, while the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is responsible for producing approximately half.
    Rectifying these issues requires a comprehensive approach that includes securing consistent, predictable, and durable Federal funding, making United States-flagged and built vessels commercially competitive in international commerce, rebuilding America’s maritime manufacturing capabilities (the Maritime Industrial Base), and expanding and strengthening the recruitment, training, and retention of the relevant workforce.

    Sec. 2.  Policy.  It is the policy of the United States to revitalize and rebuild domestic maritime industries and workforce to promote national security and economic prosperity.

    Sec. 3.  Maritime Action Plan.  (a)  Within 210 days of the date of this order, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (APNSA), in coordination with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the United States Trade Representative (USTR), and the heads of executive departments and agencies (agencies) the APNSA deems appropriate, shall submit a Maritime Action Plan (MAP) to the President, through the APNSA and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB Director) to achieve the policy set forth in this order.
    (b)  The OMB Director, in coordination with the APNSA, shall be responsible for all legislative, regulatory, and fiscal assessments related to the MAP.  
    (c)  The MAP shall, to the extent permissible and consistent with applicable law, including the Buy American Act (41 U.S.C. 8301–8305), reflect actions taken pursuant to sections 4 through 21 of this order.

    Sec. 4.  Ensure the Security and Resilience of the Maritime Industrial Base.  Within 180 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall provide to the APNSA and the OMB Director for inclusion in the MAP an assessment of options both for the use of available authorities and resources, such as Defense Production Act Title III authorities, and for the use of private capital to the maximum extent possible to invest in and expand the Maritime Industrial Base including, but not limited to, investment and expansion of commercial and defense shipbuilding capabilities, component supply chains, ship repair and marine transportation capabilities, port infrastructure, and the adjacent workforce.  The Secretary of Defense shall pursue using the Office of Strategic Capital loan program to improve the shipbuilding industrial base.  As part of their assessment, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall:
    (a)  identify key maritime components in the supply chain that are essential for rebuilding and expanding the Maritime Industrial Base and that should be prioritized for investment;
    (b)  ensure that their recommendations of public and private investments are made according to a clear metric, derived in consultation with the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, of return on invested capital for the United States taxpayer and to the economic and national security of the United States; and
    (c)  ensure that their recommendations take into consideration the projected increases to commercial and defense capabilities, the projected growth in economic activity, and the projected benefits for taxpayers and the workforce.

    Sec. 5. Actions in the Investigation of the PRC’s Unfair Targeting of Maritime, Logistics, and Shipbuilding Sectors. (a)  With respect to the actions, if any, that the USTR determines to take consistent with the USTR’s notice of public hearing entitled Proposed Action in Section 301 Investigation of the PRC’s Targeting of the Maritime, Logistics, and Shipbuilding Sectors for Dominance, 90 Fed. Reg. 10843 (February 27, 2025), the USTR shall:
    (i)   coordinate with appropriate agencies to collect additional information, as appropriate and to the extent permitted by law, in support of administering such actions; and 
    (ii)  coordinate with the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security to take appropriate steps to enforce any restriction, fee, penalty, or duty imposed pursuant to such actions.
    (b)  Based on the USTR’s determinations arising out of its Section 301 investigation into the PRC’s targeting of the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors, the USTR shall also consider taking all necessary steps permitted by law to propose the following actions:
    (i)   tariffs on ship-to-shore cranes manufactured, assembled, or made using components of PRC origin, or manufactured anywhere in the world by a company owned, controlled, or substantially influenced by a PRC national; and
    (ii)  tariffs on other cargo handling equipment.

    Sec. 6.  Enforce Collection of Harbor Maintenance Fee and Other Charges.  In order to prevent cargo carriers from circumventing the Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) on imported goods through the practice of making port in Canada or Mexico and sending their cargo into the United States through land borders, and to ensure the collection of other charges as applicable, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall take all necessary steps, including proposing new legislation, as permitted by law to:
    (a)  require all foreign-origin cargo arriving by vessel to clear the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) entry process at a United States port of entry for security and collection of all applicable duties, customs, taxes, fees, interest, and other charges; and
    (b)  ensure any foreign-origin cargo first arriving by vessel to North America clearing the CBP process at an inland location from the country of land transit (Canada or Mexico) is assessed applicable customs, duties, taxes, fees (including the HMF), interest, and other charges plus a 10 percent service fee for additional costs to the CBP, so long as the cargo being shipped into the United States is not substantially transformed from its condition at the time of arrival into the country of land transit (with the discretion for such decisions to be determined by CBP).

    Sec. 7.  Engage Allies and Partners to Align Trade Policies.  Within 90 days of the date of this order, the USTR, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Commerce, shall engage treaty allies, partners, and other like-minded countries around the world with respect to their potential imposition of any actions taken pursuant to sections 5 and 6 of this order.  The USTR shall deliver an engagement plan and progress report on these engagements to the President.

    Sec. 8.  Reduce Dependence on Adversaries through Allies and Partners.  Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, shall recommend to the APNSA and the OMB Director for inclusion in the MAP all available incentives to help shipbuilders domiciled in allied nations partner to undertake capital investment in the United States to help strengthen the shipbuilding capacity of the United States.

    Sec. 9.  Launch a Maritime Security Trust Fund.  In conjunction with the formulation of the President’s Budget, the OMB Director shall, in coordination with the Secretary of Transportation, develop a legislative proposal, which shall be described in detail in the MAP, to establish a Maritime Security Trust Fund that can serve as a reliable funding source to deliver consistent support for MAP programs.  This proposal shall consider how new or existing tariff revenue, fines, fees, or tax revenue could further the goal of establishing a more reliable, dedicated funding source for programs support by the MAP.

    Sec. 10.  Shipbuilding Financial Incentives Program.  In conjunction with the formulation of the President’s Budget and consistent with the findings of the report required under section 12 of this order, the Secretary of Transportation shall submit a legislative proposal to the APNSA and the OMB Director, which shall be described in detail in the MAP, that establishes a financial incentives program with broad flexibility to incentivize private investment in the construction of commercial components, parts, and vessels; capital improvements to commercial vessel shipyards; capital improvements to commercial vessel repair facilities and drydocks through grants; and Federal Credit Reform Act-compliant loans and loan guarantees.  Such proposal may augment or replace existing programs with similar purpose including the Small Shipyard Grant Program and the Federal Ship Financing (Title XI) Program.

    Sec. 11.  Establish Maritime Prosperity Zones.  Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Commerce, in coordination with the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall deliver a plan to the President through the APNSA for inclusion in the MAP that identifies opportunities to incentivize and facilitate domestic and allied investment in United States maritime industries and waterfront communities through establishment of maritime prosperity zones.  The proposal shall: (a) model these maritime prosperity zones on the opportunity zones established pursuant to section 13823 of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-97, 131 Stat. 2054), which I signed into law during my first Administration;
    (b) include stipulations for appropriate regulatory relief in the establishment of such zones; and
    (c) provide for zones that are outside of traditional coastal shipbuilding and ship repair centers and are geographically diverse, including river regions as well as the Great Lakes.

    Sec. 12.  Report on Maritime Industry Needs.  Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Transportation, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security and the heads of other agencies as appropriate, shall deliver a report to the OMB Director and APNSA for inclusion in the MAP that inventories Federal programs that could be used to sustain and grow the supply of and demand for the United States maritime industry.  The report and inventory shall include:
    (a)  any Federal programs that provide financial and regulatory incentives for United States shipping, shipbuilding, and shipbuilding supply chains, including the training of shipbuilders and United States-credentialed mariners; 
    (b)  Maritime Administration programs such as the Tanker Security Program, Cable Security Fleet, Maritime Security Programs, Maritime Environmental and Technical Assistance Program, Title XI, Assistance to Small Shipyards, Port Infrastructure Development Program, the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), and programs that support the State Maritime Academies;
    (c)  existing domestic cargo preference laws, including the Military Cargo Preference Act of 1904, as amended, (10 U.S.C. 2631) and the Cargo Preference Act of 1954, as amended, (46 U.S.C. 55304), and whether and how they can be used to ensure that United States cargo is transported on United States-built and flagged vessels, including a review of the existing waiver process and all current waivers to ensure they are consistent with the promotion of American domestic shipping;
    (d)  other available means that could further support the industry, including modifications of existing programs, establishment of new programs, and tax and regulatory relief; and
    (e)  in coordination with the National Security Council and the Office of Management and Budget, the costs and benefits of increased cargo preference rates, including on liquid cargo carriers, tankers, and military useful vessels, and options for increasing cargo preference compliance and directing open market procurement of shipping to meet urgent military needs for maritime vessels.

    Sec. 13.  Expand Mariner Training and Education.  Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Education, and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall deliver a report to the President through the APNSA for inclusion in the MAP with recommendations to address workforce challenges in the maritime sector through maritime educational institutions and workforce transitions.  
    (a)  In preparing their report, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Education, and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall consult, as needed, with industry stakeholders including private industry and labor organizations. 
    (b)  The report shall:
    (i)    include the current number of credentialed mariners and estimate the additional credentialed mariners required to support the policies described in this order;
    (ii)   analyze the impact of establishing new and expanding existing merchant marine academies as a means of educating, training, and certifying the additional credentialed merchant mariners estimated under subsection (b)(i) of this section;
    (iii)  identify any requirements for credentialing mariners that are unnecessary, insufficient, or unduly burdensome and provide recommendations for reform;
    (iv)   inventory existing educational and technical training grants and scholarships to colleges and vocational-technical training institutions for critical shipbuilding specialties and other maritime studies, and provide recommendations for enhancement; and
    (v)    assess the United States Coast Guard credentialing program applicability to United States Navy Active Duty and Reserve sailors to increase opportunities for sailors to transfer into the Merchant Marine with validated skills.
    (c)  Consistent with the findings of the report and in conjunction with the formulation of the President’s Budget, the Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Education, and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall deliver a legislative proposal to the APNSA and the OMB Director that:
    (i)    reflects the recommendations of the report required under this section;
    (ii)   establishes national maritime scholarships to send promising maritime experts abroad to learn cutting edge techniques and subjects, such as innovative maritime logistics, clean fuels and advanced nuclear energy, human-machine teaming, and additive manufacturing and other advanced technologies; and
    (iii)  offers scholarships to maritime experts from allied countries to teach at United States institutions. 

    Sec. 14.  Modernize the United States Merchant Marine Academy.  
    (a) The Secretary of Transportation shall: 
    (i) within 30 days of this order consistent with applicable law and available appropriations, take action to hire the necessary facilities staff and reprogram budgetary resources needed to execute urgent deferred maintenance projects and any other mission critical repair works at the USMMA;
    (ii) take immediate action to finalize a long-term master facilities plan (LMFP) for the modernization of the USMMA campus and submit such plan to the APNSA and OMB Director for concurrence; and
    (iii) within 90 days of the concurrence described in subsection (a)(ii) of this section, in consultation with the Department of Government Efficiency, submit a 5-year capital improvement plan (CIP) consistent with the LMFP to the APNSA and OMB Director that includes capital project budgets, schedules, and sequencing, as well as an inventory of deferred maintenance items necessary to sustain campus operations through completion of the CIP.
    (b) All actions taken pursuant to this section shall be detailed in the MAP.

    Sec. 15.  Improve Procurement Efficiency.  Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of the National Science Foundation shall develop a proposal for improved acquisition strategies processes for United States Government vessels and submit such proposal to APNSA and the OMB Director for inclusion in the MAP.  The proposal shall:      (a) have as its objective providing American shipbuilders with market forecasting needed to justify investments in infrastructure, workforce, and intellectual property to meet United States demand;
    (b) include reforms recommended by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security related to:
    (i) staff structure and innovations in acquisition strategies that will improve Federal vessel procurement; and
    (ii) reductions of the layers of approval needed to execute, build, and improve the vessel acquisition process, including by utilizing commercial acquisition and modular design practices that reduce complexity and prevent frequent changes to ship designs;
    (c) identify for elimination excessive requirements, including the number of Government reviews and onerous regulations that add to ship design and acquisition delays; and
    (d)  consider use of broad industry standards and American-made readily available parts and components to drive up production volume while shrinking the iterative design process, which historically has led to delays and cost increases.  

    Sec. 16.  Improve Government Efficiency.  Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Department of Government Efficiency shall begin a separate review of the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security vessel procurement processes and deliver a proposal to the President, through the APNSA for inclusion in the MAP, to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of these processes.   

    Sec. 17.  Increase the Fleet of Commercial Vessels Trading Internationally under the flag of the United States.  Within 180 days of the date of this order, in conjunction with the formulation of the President’s Budget and consistent with the findings of the report required under section 12 of this section, the Secretary of Transportation shall in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, deliver a legislative proposal to the APNSA and OMB Director for inclusion in the MAP that:
    (a)  is designed to ensure that adequate cubed footage and gross tonnage of United States-flagged commercial vessels can be called upon in times of crisis, while limiting the likelihood of Government waste;
    (b)  provides incentives that will:
    (i)   grow the fleet of United States built, crewed, and flagged vessels that serve as readily deployable assets for national security purposes; and
    (ii)  increase the participation of United States commercial vessels in international trade; and
    (c)  enhances existing subsidies to include coverage of certain construction or modification costs in a manner designed to enhance incentives for the commercial shipping industry to operate militarily useful ships that trade internationally under the flag of the United States.

    Sec. 18.  Ensure the Security and Leadership of Arctic Waterways.  Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall develop a strategy that identifies the vision, goals, and objectives necessary to secure arctic waterways and enable American prosperity in the face of evolving arctic security challenges and associated risks, and deliver it to the APNSA for inclusion in the MAP.

    Sec. 19.  Shipbuilding Review.  Within 45 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall conduct a review of shipbuilding for United States Government use and submit a report to the President with recommendations to increase the number of participants and competitors within United States shipbuilding, and to reduce cost overruns and production delays for surface, subsurface, and unmanned programs.  This report must include separate itemized and prioritized lists of recommendations for the United States Army, Navy, and Coast Guard and shall be included in the MAP.

    Sec. 20.  Deregulatory Initiatives.  Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall conduct a review of their regulations, and implementation thereof, across all components pertaining to the domestic commercial maritime fleet and maritime port access to determine where each agency may be able to deregulate within the framework of Executive Order 14192 of January 31, 2025 (Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation), to reduce unnecessary costs and clear barriers to emerging technology and related efficiencies.  Each agency will submit a report of its findings to the OMB Director and to the APNSA for inclusion in the MAP.

    Sec. 21.  Inactive Reserve Fleet.  Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Defense shall conduct a review and issue guidance on the funding, retention, support, and mobilization of a robust inactive reserve fleet.  This review and guidance shall be delivered to the APNSA for inclusion in the MAP. 

    Sec. 22.  Coordination.  Unless otherwise specified in this order, the plans, reports, reviews, and recommendations that are required to be submitted to the President by this order shall be developed through interagency coordination in accordance with National Security Presidential Memorandum 1 of January 20, 2025 (Organization of the National Security Council and Subcommittees), or its successors.

    Sec. 23.  Severability.  If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any person or circumstance, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of its provisions to any other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

    Sec. 24.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
    (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
    (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
    (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
    (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

    THE WHITE HOUSE,
        April 9, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairwoman McClain and Rep. Issa Statements on House Passage of Bill to Limit District Judges’ Power, Uphold Constitutional Checks and Balances

    Source: US House of Representatives Republicans

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –

    Chairwoman McClain and Rep. Issa Statements on House Passage of Bill to Limit District Judges’ Power, Uphold Constitutional Checks and Balances

    Washington, April 9, 2025

    WASHINGTON—The U.S. House of Representatives passed the No Rogue Rulings Act (NORRA) of 2025, Representative Darrell Issa’s bill that would limit the power of district judges to issue nationwide injunctions. 

    House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) and Rep. Issa (R-Calif.) released the following statements:

    “House Republicans prevented activist judges from stalling the American people’s agenda,” Chairwoman McClain said. “Rep. Issa’s bill ensures rogue judges can’t block the lawful exercise of executive power. We upheld the constitutional authority of checks and balances and protected the integrity of our democracy.”

    “There is a major malfunction of judicial activism in our federal courts. Practically every week, another federal judge issues yet another nationwide injunction in yet another gambit to stop President Trump from exercising his Constitutional powers and carrying out the policies he promised the American people he would make a reality. This isn’t even close to a legal disagreement involving standing, statute, or precedent – it is the Trump Resistance in Robes. The No Rogue Rulings Act is the comprehensive solution we need to stop these abuses and ensure proper and appropriate balance in our federal courts,” Rep. Issa said. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Tai Software Introduces the Most Flexible TMS on the Market at the TIA 2025 Capital Ideas Conference

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN ANTONIO, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — At this year’s TIA Capital Ideas Conference, Tai Software announced three powerful new enhancements. These upgrades position Tai as the most flexible and automation-ready transportation management system for freight brokers. With it, brokers are empowered to operate on their terms, without the delays and expense of custom software development.

    Traditional TMS platforms often lock brokers into rigid workflows, limiting how they manage shipment references, alerts, and carrier behavior. These constraints lead to inefficiencies, reactive customer service, and inconsistent carrier communication. Tai’s latest updates are designed to give brokers total control over these essential elements.

    “We’re enhancing TMS flexibility by putting control directly in the hands of brokers, allowing them to define their own business rules, streamline workflows, and adapt the system to fit their operations,” said Daniel Ely, Chief Product Officer at Tai Software. “It’s not about changing how you work to fit your TMS. It’s about your TMS working the way you do.”

    Tai’s Three Flexibility-Driven Enhancements

    1. Custom Shipment Reference Numbers

    Brokers can now create and manage reference fields tailored to their operations. The TMS dashboard, customer portals, reports, and APIs will show these fields. Fields include internal tags and customer-specific IDs based on each company’s unique logic.

    2. Custom Shipment Alerts with Workflow Automation

    Move beyond basic notifications. With Tai, brokers can create alerts based on business-specific conditions and trigger real-time actions. Custom alerts enable teams to stay ahead of issues instead of reacting after they occur.

    3. Carrier Rules Engine

    Brokers can set their own logic for interacting with carriers across their operations. Tai offers brokers tools for consistent, brand-driven carrier management. These include auto-selection, compliance checks, visibility settings, and performance tracking.

    “These three capabilities give brokers deep operational control over what gets tracked, when to take action, and how their systems respond in real-time,” said Ely.

    Real Value for Freight Brokers

    These latest enhancements give freight brokers the power to fully customize their TMS without relying on developers or incurring added costs. With greater visibility and better collaboration across teams and systems, Tai TMS helps brokers operate more efficiently, respond faster, and scale with confidence.

    “This isn’t just flexibility. It’s data intelligence,” Ely explains. “You’re not just getting alerts; you’re triggering results.”

    See Tai in Action at TIA 2025

    Experience these new capabilities live at TIA Media Day and see how Tai delivers unmatched flexibility, intelligence, and control to freight brokers nationwide.

    To learn more about Tai’s new capabilities or TIA 2025, contact Vanessa Galvis, Marketing Director, at vanessa.galvis@tai-software.com.

    About Tai Software

    Tai Software is a fully integrated freight management platform that drives brokers’ efficiency and growth. Tai TMS automates operations for both Full Truckload (FTL) and Less-than-Truckload (LTL) shipments, integrating seamlessly with major carriers and technology partners. With over 500 tool integrations and over 20 years of industry innovation, freight brokers trust Tai TMS to simplify their processes and focus on strategic business growth. To learn more about Tai Software, visit https://tai-software.com/.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Brookfield Business Partners Completes 2024 Annual Filings

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BROOKFIELD, NEWS, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  Brookfield Business Partners L.P. (NYSE: BBU, TSX: BBU.UN) today announced that it has filed its 2024 annual report on Form 20-F, including its audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024, with the SEC on EDGAR as well as with the Canadian securities authorities on SEDAR+. These documents are also available on our website at https://bbu.brookfield.com/bbuc in the Reports & Filings section and a hard copy will be provided to shareholders free of charge upon request.

    Brookfield Business Partners is a global business services and industrials company focused on owning and operating high-quality businesses that provide essential products and services and benefit from a strong competitive position. Investors have flexibility to invest in our company either through Brookfield Business Partners L.P. (NYSE: BBU; TSX: BBU.UN), a limited partnership or Brookfield Business Corporation (NYSE, TSX: BBUC), a corporation. For more information, please visit https://bbu.brookfield.com.

    Brookfield Business Partners is the flagship listed vehicle of Brookfield Asset Management’s Private Equity Group. Brookfield Asset Management is a leading global alternative asset manager with over $1 trillion of assets under management.

    Please note that Brookfield Business Corporation’s previous audited annual and unaudited quarterly reports have been filed on SEDAR+ and EDGAR, and are available at https://bbu.brookfield.com/bbuc under Reports & Filings. Hard copies of the annual and quarterly reports can be obtained free of charge upon request.

    For more information, please contact:

    Media:
    Marie Fuller
    Tel: +44 207 408 8375
    Email: marie.fuller@brookfield.com

    Investors:
    Alan Fleming
    Tel: + 1 (416) 645-2736
    Email: alan.fleming@brookfield.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: [Video] Smarter Living at a Touch: Five Ways Samsung’s Screen-Based Appliances Make Daily Life Easier

    Source: Samsung

    At the heart of Samsung Electronics’ user-friendly and safe AI Home lies one game-changing feature — the screen.
     
    In a 2024 survey1 conducted by Samsung with 1,443 participants across five countries, the most preferred AI appliance experience was “easier and more natural voice control” (32%) followed by “integrated touchscreens on appliances” (30%).
     

     
    Samsung first introduced a 21.5-inch screen on its Family Hub refrigerator in 2016. Since then, the company has incorporated a variety of screen sizes — including 4.3-inch, 7-inch and 32-inch displays — across its home appliance lineup. Samsung further broadened the scope this year to include both combined and standalone washers and dryers, as well as induction cooktops. Notably, a 9-inch screen has been added to the refrigerator lineup for the first time — offering consumers even more choice.
     
    How have screen-equipped appliances changed users’ daily lives? Samsung Newsroom highlights five ways Samsung’s Bespoke AI screen-equipped appliances help users get more out of their homes.
     
     
    1. Personalized Information at a Glance With Daily Board

     
    The dashboard-style Daily Board2 allows users to easily view personalized information right from the kitchen. Introduced for the first time this year, the feature is available on various screen-equipped refrigerators including Samsung’s new refrigerator with 9-inch AI Home screen.
     
    As users head to the kitchen for a glass of water in the morning, they can check the weather, view their schedule and even get recipe suggestions using ingredients stored inside the fridge — all from the screen. For a personal touch, they can also leave notes for family members.
     
    The upgraded AI voice assistant Bixby3 recognizes individual voices and offers tailored support from displaying schedules to helping users find their smartphones.4

     
     
    2. From Recipe to Oven: Orchestrating Meals With Ease

     
    Samsung’s screens go beyond controlling individual home appliances — they enhance the entire home experience through seamless device connectivity.
     
    AI Vision Inside5 now recognizes up to 37 types of fresh ingredients stored in the refrigerator and automatically creates a food list on the screen. The newly introduced AI Food Manager can also recommend up to 50 frequently used processed or packaged items based on usage patterns.6 From the screen, users can receive personalized recipe suggestions tailored to available ingredients. These recipes can then be sent to connected cooking appliances — such as ovens and induction cooktops — via SmartThings, making meal preparation smooth and convenient.

     
     
    3. Control the Entire Smart Home From One Screen

     
    With the Map View feature, users can monitor and control all their connected home appliances from a single screen.7 Everything can be managed remotely, from adjusting modes and changing temperatures to managing other key settings. Whether in the kitchen or living room, users can answer phone calls, monitor visitors or unlock doors — all through the screen.
     
    Notably, this year’s new models8 feature upgraded screens that go beyond basic control — now, they serve as smart home hubs capable of connecting to and managing a wide range of devices. In addition to Wi-Fi, the appliances support Zigbee, Matter and Thread for more compatibility with various smart home and Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystems.9

     

    4. Just a Simple Tap To Enjoy Home Entertainment

     
    Samsung’s AI appliances make it easy to enjoy entertainment — either by mirroring content from a smartphone or directly accessing the internet or apps like YouTube and Spotify from the screen. For example, users can cook while watching a mirrored video on the refrigerator screen or use the washing machine’s screen to search YouTube for laundry tips and set the appropriate wash mode.
     
     
    5. Energy Use Monitoring and Smart Maintenance Tips

     
    One of the biggest advantages of Samsung’s large screens is their ability to intuitively visualize and manage energy consumption and maintenance tasks.
     
    With SmartThings Energy, users can track energy use and reduce consumption through AI Energy Mode. They can also access the Optimal Scheduling feature10 that suggests ideal times to run appliances based on periods of high carbon emissions. After each wash or dry cycle, the screen displays a graph that breaks down the time spent and energy used.
     
    To extend the appliance’s lifespan and ensure safety, the screen regularly checks device status and notifies users when filters need changing or cleaning. Bixby can even visually and audibly provide maintenance instructions on the screen when users ask.11
     
    Under its “Screens Everywhere” vision, Samsung continues to expand its lineup of screen-equipped appliances — designed to understand and support users’ daily lives. To explore how the 2025 Bespoke AI lineup delivers a differentiated, AI-enhanced experience through screen innovation, watch the video below.
     

    * Product images shown in the video may vary by region and differ from actual usage.
     
     
    1 Online survey allowing multiple responses, conducted from August 30 to September 9, 2024. Participants included men and women aged 20 to 59 from South Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, Mexico and Vietnam — all within the top 50% household income bracket and identified as key decision-makers or users in home appliance purchases. Of the 2,283 respondents, 1,443 expressed purchase intent for the accessibility concept — AI appliances that can be easily and conveniently controlled from anywhere in the home.2 The 2025 Bespoke AI refrigerator with 9-inch AI Home screen, the 32-inch Family Hub and select 2024 refrigerator models are scheduled to receive this update via Smart Forward in phases. Smart Forward updates are available for software only, and for models released after 2017 that are equipped with standardized OCF protocol. Adequate hardware specifications may be required for certain updates. Available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required.3 Bixby availability may vary depending on the country. Bixby only recognizes certain accents and dialects of English (U.K.), English (U.S.), English (India), French (France), German (Germany), Italian (Italy), Korean (South Korea), Mandarin Chinese (China), Spanish (Latin America), Spanish (Spain) and Portuguese (Brazil). Voice ID will be available starting May of 2025 through Smart Forward update. Launch date may differ according to region and country. To activate Bixby, a Samsung Account is required. Up to six accounts can be registered per device. To increase the accuracy of identifying each voice, it is recommended for you to register your voice in quiet surroundings. Voice ID is done based on the tone of voice used during registration process. Any change or modification to your voice may lead to misidentification.4 This update is planned for release in the first half of 2025 via Smart Forward. Once Bixby recognizes a user’s voice, it switches to the Samsung account linked with the Family Hub and provides personalized information such as schedules (compatible with Google and Microsoft Calendar apps), phone location, photos and more. This Bixby voice recognition feature is supported on screen-equipped appliances running Tizen OS but not on washer and dryer models with 4.3-inch screen running Tizen Lite OS.5 Available on select T-Type and French Door refrigerator models. As of April 2025, AI Vision Inside can recognize 37 food items like fresh fruits and veggies. If the food is not recognizable, it may be listed as an unknown item. AI Vision Inside cannot identify or list any food items in the fridge door bins or freezer. It recognizes food items based on deep learning models, which may be updated periodically to improve accuracy.6 AI Vision Inside will recognize and recommend that users save processed food items that have been placed inside multiple times, allowing up to 50 items to be saved with the designated name. Processed foods are limited to those that keep a certain packaged form. AI Home recommends saving the item after it has been input more than 4 times during 30 days.7 A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required. Third-party devices must be SmartThings compatible.8 Availability of the hub function in Samsung’s screen-equipped appliances may vary by model and region. It is applied to products such as the 32-inch and 9-inch screen refrigerators, as well as the 7-inch screen washers and dryers (excluding standalone models). A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required. All products must be connected to SmartThings. Only 3rd party devices that are compatible with SmartThings can be registered.9 Update times vary by product and each protocol.10 Features and availability of services may vary by region.11 Bixby can answer troubleshooting- and usage-related questions based on the appliance’s user manual.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Launches Bespoke AI Jet Lite, Light Yet Powerful Cordless Stick Vacuum

    Source: Samsung

     
    Samsung Electronics today announced that it will launch the Bespoke AI Jet Lite, a lighter, more advanced model that builds on the success of its predecessor in its lineup of cordless stick vacuum cleaners.
     
    “At Samsung, we continuously search for solutions that excel at everyday cleaning,” said Jeong Seung Moon, EVP and Head of the R&D Team for Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics. “To meet the increasingly varied cleaning requirements of modern homes, this stick vacuum has been designed to offer powerful suction and advanced AI features in a lightweight form factor.”
     
     
    Lighter Weight, Powerful Suction

     
    The new Bespoke AI Jet Lite has been designed to be lighter, weighing just 1.45kg in handheld mode — a 23% reduction compared to the previous model.1 Thanks to its lightweight design, users can easily clean hard-to-reach areas such as the tops of cabinets, window blinds, ceilings and walls. Even with the brush attachment, the unit remains under 3kg, ensuring easy maneuverability for comprehensive cleaning throughout the home.
     
    Despite its reduced weight,2 the product is equipped with a HexaJet Motor that rotates at up to 140,000rpm, creating powerful suction of up to 280W.3 The impressive suction power allows the stick vacuum to excel when used independently for cleaning, but it can also be used in conjunction with a robot vacuum for a truly comprehensive cleaning experience.
     
    Furthermore, upgraded AI functionality enhances convenience during the cleaning experiences. Based on Samsung’s AI Optimum Tech, AI Cleaning Mode 2.04 is able to classify more cleaning environments,5 such as long-pile or short-pile carpet types — as well as corners6 — by sensing the brush load and vacuuming air pressure. It then automatically adjusts settings, like suction power, to deliver the same performance as Mid mode, while reducing battery power use by 14% and increasing maneuverability by 8%.7
     
     
    Advanced Hygiene Features

     
    The Bespoke AI Jet Lite ensures a clean, fresh home environment with its advanced hygiene features. These include the HEPA Filtration System, which is enhanced with a four-layer fine dust filter and optimized machine sealing to effectively capture even fine dust particles.8 This allows users to breathe cleaner air while vacuuming, reducing their exposure to airborne dust.9 Moreover, its dustbin and multi-cyclone system parts are fully washable, so it is easy for users to maintain cleanliness, ensuring a sanitary and fresh10 experience.
     
    For added convenience, the All-in-one Clean Station provides a seamless and hygienic way to empty the dustbin while automatically charging the vacuum. Thanks to its multi-layered filtration, — which traps 99.999%11 of dust particles — the station efficiently12 empties the bin without releasing fine dust.
     
     
    A New Addition to Samsung’s Extensive Vacuum Cleaner Lineup
    The Bespoke AI Jet Lite is part of Samsung’s diverse vacuum lineup for this year, which includes the Bespoke AI Jet Ultra, the world’s most powerful cordless stick vacuum,13 and its latest vacuum and mop robot cleaner, the Bespoke AI Jet Bot Steam Ultra.
     
    These new products reflect Samsung’s commitment to delivering personalized cleaning experiences that cater to a wide range of customer preferences. Consumers looking for a strong cordless stick vacuum cleaner with an AI-enhanced functionality can choose the maximum power model, the Bespoke AI Jet Ultra which delivers up to 400W14 of suction power. Those who prefer a lighter model can opt for the Bespoke AI Jet Lite, offering up to 280W of suction power.
     
    In addition to the Bespoke AI Jet series, Samsung offers a comprehensive lineup that includes models like the Jet 95, 85 and others. Each series features a variety of specialized cleaning solutions, such as Spray Spinning Sweepers, Clean Stations and different brush configurations, allowing consumers to choose the ideal vacuum for their home’s unique needs.
     
     
    Availability
    The Bespoke AI Jet Lite will be available for purchase starting April 2025, with exact launch dates varying by region and country.
     
     
    1 Compared with the Samsung VS9700. Handheld body weight: Bespoke AI Jet Lite 1.45kg vs. VS9700 1.89kg. Bespoke AI Jet Lite with Slim LED Brush+ = 2.49kg and Bespoke AI Jet Lite with Jet Dual Brush+ = 2.7kg, VS9700 = 3.17kg when it adapted the Active Dual Brush for floor cleaning.2 Bespoke AI Jet Lite motor = 115g, VS9000 motor = 205g, VS9700 motor =150g.3 Based on testing by SLG Prüf- und Zertifizierungs GmbH, in accordance with the IEC 62885-4 Cl.5.8 standard. Measured at the inlet of the non-motorized tool when the dustbin is empty, using Jet Mode and a sufficient capacity battery that is fully charged. Results may vary depending on actual usage.4 The updated functions of AI Cleaning Mode 2.0 can be activated after registering the stick vacuum cleaner on the SmartThings App available on Android and iOS and Wi-Fi is on. The operation of AI Cleaning mode 2.0 may be limited in certain environments, such as when the All-in-one Clean Station is unplugged or Wi-Fi is off or unstable or the Bluetooth connection status between the stick vacuum cleaner and the All-in-one Clean Station is unstable. In such cases, AI Mode operates limitedly. If AI Cleaning mode 2.0 does not work frequently, please move the All-in-one Clean Station to a space without obstacles nearby. To enable continuous function updates, keep the Wi-Fi in the house on at all times. A Samsung account is required.5 The ability to identify different cleaning environments and the time it takes to change the settings can be affected by environmental conditions.6 AI Cleaning Mode 1.0 recognizes 4 usage conditions, including hard floor, carpet, mat and lifting (moving). AI Cleaning Mode 2.0 with Slim LED Brush+ recognizes corners as well as the 4 usage conditions, while AI Cleaning Mode 2.0 with new Jet Dual Brush+ recognizes 4 types of flooring: hard floors, lifted surfaces, and long- and short-pile carpets. The ability to identify different cleaning environments and the time it takes to change the settings can be affected by environmental conditions. Corner detection only operates in hard floor environments. “Corner” refers to the area where two flat and closed walls meet. The suction power increases about 2-3.5 seconds after the brush is pressed against the wall. If the brush contacts only one side of the corner or if there is a gap in the corner, it may not be recognized as a corner, and the recognition accuracy and reaction speed may vary depending on the wall shape and actual usage environment.7 Based on internal testing when using the Jet Dual Brush+, in accordance with the global average ratio of the floor composition – wooden floor 76% and carpet 24%. It achieves the same cleaning performance as Mid mode with 2% or less difference in cleaning efficiency, in accordance with the IEC 62885-2 Cl. 5.1 and 5.4 standard. The battery consumption was measured based on the actual amount of power consumed while using the vacuum cleaner for 35 minutes from a fully charged state. The maneuverability is based on the actual measured value in accordance with the IEC 62885-2 Cl. 7.3.9 standard. In average, the maneuverability increases by 8% compared to Mid mode. Results may vary depending on the actual usage conditions. The effect may differ when using the Slim LED Brush+.8 Refers to dust particles with the size of 0.3µm or above.9 Based on testing by SGS-IBR Laboratories, in accordance with the ASTM F3150 standard, using Jet Mode. Results may vary depending on actual usage.10 After cleaning, dry the fine dust filter completely for more than 24 hours in the shade before use.11 Based on testing by SLG Prüf- und Zertifizierungs GmbH, in accordance with the IEC 62885-2 Cl. 5.14 standard. Results may vary depending on the actual usage conditions.12 Based on internal testing using various types of dusts. Results may vary depending on the actual usage conditions.13 Based on testing by SLG Prüf- und Zertifizierungs GmbH, in accordance with the IEC 62885-4 Cl.5.8 standard, using a handheld type vacuum cleaner (with no brush) in Jet mode. The results were compared to cordless stick vacuum models available on the market with a stated suction power within 30% of the actual suction power of the Samsung model tested by SLG. Based on sales data between January 2024 and December 2024 as compiled by an independent market research institute.14 Based on testing by SLG Prüf- und Zertifizierungs GmbH, in accordance with the IEC 62885-4 Cl.5.8 standard. Measured at the inlet of the non-motorized tool when the dustbin is empty, using Jet Mode and a large capacity battery that is fully charged. Lasts up to 1 min. Results may vary depending on actual usage.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Good boy or bad dog? Our 1 billion pet dogs do real environmental damage

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bill Bateman, Associate Professor, Behavioural Ecology, Curtin University

    William Edge/Shutterstock

    There are an estimated 1 billion domesticated dogs in the world. Most are owned animals – pets, companions or working animals who share their lives with humans. They are the most common large predator in the world. Pet cats trail far behind, at about 220 million.

    We are all too aware of the negative effects of cats, both owned and feral, on wildlife. Feral dogs too are frequently seen as threats to biodiversity, although dingoes can have a positive role. By contrast, our pet dogs often seem to get a free pass.

    This is, unfortunately, based more on feelings than data. Our beloved pet dogs have a far greater, more insidious and more concerning effect on wildlife and the environment than we would like to be the case.

    In our new research, we lay out the damage pet dogs do and what can be done about it.

    Dogs are predators. They catch many types of wildlife and can injure or kill them. Their scent and droppings scare smaller animals. Then there’s the huge environmental cost of feeding these carnivores and the sheer quantity of their poo.

    We love our pet dogs, but they come with a very real cost. We have to recognise this and take steps to protect wildlife by leashing or restraining our animals.

    The predator in your home

    Dogs are domesticated wolves, bred to be smaller, more docile and extremely responsive to humans. But they are still predators.

    Pet dogs are responsible for more reported attacks on wildlife than are cats, according to data from wildlife care centres, and catch larger animals.

    Pet dogs off the leash are the main reason colonies of little penguins are nearing collapse in Tasmania.

    In New Zealand, a single escaped pet dog is estimated to have killed up to 500 brown kiwis out of a total population of 900 over a five-week period.

    Once off the leash, dogs love to chase animals and birds. This may seem harmless.
    But being chased can exhaust tired migratory birds, forcing them to use more energy. Dogs can kill fledglings of beach-nesting birds, including endangered birds such as the hooded plover.

    The mere presence of these predators terrifies many animals and birds. Even when they’re on the leash, local wildlife are on high alert. This has measurable negative effects on bird abundance and diversity across woodland sites in eastern Australia.

    In the United States, deer are more alert and run sooner and farther if they see a human with a leashed dog than a human alone.

    Several mammal species in the United States perceived dogs with a human as a bigger threat than coyotes.

    Dogs don’t even have to be present to be bad for wildlife. They scent-mark trees and posts with their urine and leave their faeces in many places. These act as warnings to many other species. Researchers in the US found animals such as deer, foxes and even bobcats avoided areas dogs had been regularly walked compared to dog exclusion zones, due to the traces they left.

    Beach-nesting birds such as hooded plovers are vulnerable to off-leash dogs, who can easily trample eggs, kill hatchlings or scare off the parents.
    Martin Pelanek/Shutterstock

    Keeping dogs healthy and fed has a cost

    The medications we use to rid our pet dogs of fleas or ticks can last weeks on fur, and wash off when they plunge into a creek or river. But some of these medications have ingredients highly toxic to aquatic invertebrates, meaning a quick dip can be devastating.

    Researchers have found when birds such as blue tits and great tits collect brushed-out dog fur to line their nests, it can lead to fewer eggs hatching and more dead hatchlings.

    Then there’s the poo. In the US, there are about 90 million pet dogs, while the UK has 12 million and Australia has 6 million.

    The average dog deposits 200 grams of faeces and 400 millilitres of urine a day. This translates to a tonne of faeces and 2,000 litres of urine over a 13 year lifespan. Scaled up, that’s a mountain of waste.

    This waste stream can add to nitrogen pollution in waterways, alter soil chemistry and even spread diseases to humans and other wildlife. More than 80% of the pathogens infecting domesticated animals also infect wildlife.

    Dogs largely eat meat, meaning millions of cows and chickens are raised just to feed our pets. Feeding the world’s dogs leads to about the same emissions as the Philippines and a land use “pawprint” twice the size of the UK.

    No one likes thinking about this

    People love their dogs. They’re always happy to see us. Their companionship makes us healthier, body and mind. Many farms couldn’t run without working dogs. We don’t want to acknowledge they can also cause harm.

    Dogs, of course, are not bad. They’re animals, with natural instincts as well as the domesticated instinct to please us. But their sheer numbers mean they do real damage.

    Many of us have a large dog-shaped blind spot. Little Brutus wouldn’t have done something like that, we think. But Brutus can and does.

    Choosing to own a dog comes with responsibilities. Being a good dog owner means caring not just for the animal we love, but the rest of the natural world.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Good boy or bad dog? Our 1 billion pet dogs do real environmental damage – https://theconversation.com/good-boy-or-bad-dog-our-1-billion-pet-dogs-do-real-environmental-damage-252726

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Running on empty: Poor nutrition increases injury risk for female athletes

    Source:

    10 April 2025

    Proper nutrition is crucial for enhancing athletic performance, supporting recovery and overall health. Now, a new study from the University of South Australia reveals that proper nutrition is also key to reducing risk of injury, especially for females.

    In a systematic review of nearly 6000 runners, researchers examined the link between diet and exercise-related injury among adult distance runners. The study found that lower energy and fat intakes were strongly associated with a higher risk of injury in female runners.

    The study also found that a low-fibre diet increased the likelihood of bone stress injuries in both female and male runners.

    Specifically, injured female runners consumed 450 fewer calories (~1900kJ) and 20 grams less fat per day than uninjured counterparts. Both injured female and male runners had three grams less fibre in their diet per day, compared to those who remained injury free.

    Interestingly, runners’ intakes of protein, carbohydrates, alcohol, and calcium, did not influence injury risk.

    Sports dietitian and UniSA researcher, Erin Colebatch, says nutrition plays a crucial role in reducing injury risk.

    “Distance running is a popular activity for many people, helping them stay healthy and keep fit. Yet about 50% of adult runners sustain running-related injuries,” Colebatch says.

    “Nutrition is key to optimising athletic performance, providing the energy, recovery support, and injury prevention needed to maintain both endurance and overall health.

    “Many long-distance runners underestimate their energy needs. When they don’t fuel their bodies properly, they increase their injury risk.

    “Recognising the impact of diet on injury risk helps minimise it.”

    Senior researcher, UniSA’s Dr Alison Hill, says clinicians need to support female runners to achieve sufficient energy and fat intakes while guiding all runners to optimise their fibre consumption.

    “When runners don’t consume enough energy, their body’s needs go unmet, which over time can lead to issues like skeletal demineralisation, loss of lean body mass, fatigue, and stress fractures,” Dr Hill says.

    “While this research offers valuable insights for runners of all levels, additional studies are necessary to explore how these findings apply to a broader range of athletic abilities.”

    …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

    Contacts for interview: Erin Colebatch E: erin.colebatch@mymail.unisa.edu.au
    Dr Alison Hill E: Alison.Hill@unisa.edu.au
    Media contact: Annabel Mansfield M: +61 479 182 489 E: Annabel.Mansfield@unisa.edu.au

    Other articles you may be interested in

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Qube’s proposed acquisition of MIRRAT not opposed, subject to undertaking

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    The ACCC will not oppose Qube Holdings Limited’s (ASX:QUB) proposed acquisition of Melbourne International RoRo & Auto Terminal Pty Ltd (MIRRAT), after accepting a court-enforceable undertaking to remedy competition concerns.

    The court-enforceable undertaking accepted by the ACCC prevents Qube, its subsidiary Australian Amalgamated Terminals Pty Ltd (AAT) and MIRRAT from discriminating against downstream rivals at Webb Dock West at the Port of Melbourne.

    The undertaking also imposes additional obligations on AAT in relation to its operations at Port Kembla in NSW, Fisherman Islands in Queensland and Appleton Dock in Melbourne. The undertaking will replace both the existing AAT undertaking, and MIRRAT’s existing undertaking in relation to its operations at the automotive terminal at Webb Dock West.

    MIRRAT operates the automotive/roll-on roll-off terminal at Webb Dock West in Melbourne. The proposed acquisition would permit Qube to control the operation of automotive roll-on roll-off trade through the Port of Melbourne.

    Qube, through its wholly owned subsidiary, AAT, operates automotive cargo terminals at the Port of Brisbane and Port Kembla, as well as a general cargo terminal at Appleton Dock at the Port of Melbourne.

    Qube is Australia’s largest provider of import and export logistics services including port-related activities of terminal management, stevedoring, processing, pre-delivery inspection (PDI) and delivery.

    The ACCC’s investigations focused on the acquisition’s impact on competition in downstream services, such as automotive stevedoring and PDI services at the Port of Melbourne.

    The ACCC also examined potential competition concerns arising from Qube’s operation of the three major automotive terminals on the east coast of Australia.

    “The ACCC concluded that, in the absence of adequate safeguards, Qube, through its ownership of MIRRAT, would likely have the ability and incentive to discriminate against rival stevedores and PDI providers at Webb Dock West,” ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said.

    “MIRRAT could do this, for example, by restricting its downstream rivals’ access to the terminal or related services, raising prices or lowering the quality of terminal services provided to them.”

    “The ACCC also closely considered whether, by operating all three of the major east coast automotive terminals, Qube, through AAT and MIRRAT, could have an increased ability and incentive to discriminate against rivals at each of the terminals in a way that would harm downstream competition,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

    Concerns were also raised with the ACCC that Qube would have access to rival stevedore or PDI operators’ commercially sensitive information through AAT and MIRRAT as the terminal operators.

    “With these significant concerns in mind, the ACCC only decided not to oppose the acquisition with a strong court-enforceable undertaking from Qube, AAT and MIRRAT,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

    The undertaking requires AAT and MIRRAT to meet the following obligations to:

    • not discriminate between terminal users in favour of its own interests in the automotive supply chain,
    • provide for certain price and non-price dispute resolution processes,
    • comply with access and berthing allocation rules, as well as ring fencing of certain confidential information,
    • report periodically on its compliance with the undertaking and facilitate independent oversight (including by an independent auditor),
    • comply with restrictions on AAT’s and MIRRAT’s ability to introduce or change certain tariffs.

    “Long-term behavioural remedies come with particular risks and uncertainty. The ACCC is not generally supportive of such undertakings. This is why we have carefully assessed these risks when deciding whether to accept the undertaking in this matter. In the unique circumstances of this transaction, where there is already a similar undertaking in other ports, and where MIRRAT itself is already subject to an undertaking due to its existing vertical integration with shipping, after careful consideration we decided to accept the undertaking,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

    “Most users of the terminal and participants in the vehicle import supply chain were supportive of Qube acquiring MIRRAT.”

    The new undertaking will cover all of AAT and MIRRAT’s east coast automotive terminals and is expected to be in place perpetually.

    More information, including the undertaking can be found on the ACCC’s public register here: Qube Holdings Limited (Qube) – Melbourne International RoRo & Auto Terminal Pty Ltd (MIRRAT)

    Note to editors

    In considering the proposed merger, the ACCC applies the legal test set out in section 50 of the Competition and Consumer Act.

    In general terms, section 50 prohibits acquisitions that would have the effect, or be likely to have the effect, of substantially lessening competition in any market.

    Background

    Qube, through AAT, proposed to enter into a share sale agreement to acquire all shares in MIRRAT.

    Webb Dock West is the key facility for the processing of automotive and roll-on roll-off cargo through the Port of Melbourne.

    “Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo)” refers to ships designed to carry wheeled cargo, such as cars, motorcycles, trucks, semi-trailer trucks, buses, trailers, and railroad cars, that are driven on and off the ship on their own wheels or using a platform vehicle.

    MIRRAT

    MIRRAT’s ultimate parent company is Wallenius Wilhelmsen ASA (WW). WW is a Norway-based global provider of roll-on roll-off shipping and vehicle logistics and operates automotive terminals in Europe, the UK, the US and the Asia-Pacific. MIRRAT’s only operation in Australia is the automotive/roll-on roll-off terminal at Webb Dock West.

    MIRRAT operates Webb Dock West subject to a section 87B undertaking accepted by the ACCC on 27 March 2014 (MIRRAT Undertaking). The MIRRAT Undertaking was accepted by the ACCC in relation to MIRRAT’s acquisition of a long-term lease to operate the Webb Dock West roll-on roll-off terminal at Port Melbourne. The MIRRAT Undertaking commenced on 1 January 2018. It expires when MIRRAT ceases to operate the Terminal, which may occur on or before 30 June 2040, and when the ACCC confirms this in writing.

    The full text of the existing MIRRAT Undertaking can be found on the ACCC’s s87B undertakings register. Once in effect, the new undertaking offered by Qube, AAT and MIRRAT will replace the MIRRAT Undertaking.

    Qube

    Qube is Australia’s largest integrated provider of import and export logistics services. Its port-related activities include facilities management, stevedoring, processing, PDI and delivery. It manages and develops strategic properties such as inland rail terminals and related logistics facilities. It provides road and rail transport of freight to and from ports, operation of container parks, customs and quarantine services, warehousing, intermodal terminals, and international freight forwarding.

    In addition to being a terminal operator, Qube provides general stevedoring, automotive stevedoring and PDI services at each of its eastern seaboard ports. It provides general and automotive stevedoring through its affiliated entity ‘Qube Ports’. Qube provides PDI services through its 50% interest in K Line Auto Logistics which owns and operates PrixCar.

    AAT (Qube) operates automotive cargo terminals in Port of Brisbane and Port Kembla, as well as a general cargo terminal at Appleton Dock in Port of Melbourne. The facilities are operated under a s87B undertaking accepted by the ACCC in 2016 (AAT Undertaking). Once in effect, the new undertaking offered by Qube, AAT and MIRRAT will replace the AAT Undertaking.

    MIL OSI News –