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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Minister Shorten interview on ABC Illawarra Breakfast with Melinda James

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    Program:

    ABC Illawarra Breakfast

    Interviewer:

    Melinda James

    E&OE TRANSCRIPT

    SUBJECTS: Northcott Dapto Disability Hub; NDIS reform

    MELINDA JAMES, HOST: Well, it’s just over two weeks, I think, since the NDIS Minister, Bill Shorten announced that there would be changes to the NDIS and the services you can and can’t apply for. A new list is out, but it’s the first in a tranche of changes in its wider overhaul of the NDIS that’s taking place. The Minister, Bill Shorten, will be in Dapto today to open the new Northcott Disability Services Centre in Dapto and he’s been good enough to give us some of his time this morning. Bill Shorten, good morning.

    BILL SHORTEN, MINISTER FOR THE NDIS AND GOVERNMENT SERVICES: Good morning, Melinda.

    JAMES: Can you tell me a little about this centre first of all? What’s special about it, the Northcott Disability Services Centre in Dapto? What’s brought you to Dapto to open it?

    SHORTEN: Yeah, listen, I’m really looking forward to being at Dapto at 10:00am with Stephen Jones, a member for Whitlam and Minister in the government as well. We’re going to be having a look and opening the work set up by Northcott. It’s a fully accessible community hub. It’s going to replace Northcott Wollongong and Northcott Oak Flats locations. They’re centralising all their current services in the Wollongong area. The hub’s going to essentially have multipurpose meeting and training rooms. It’s got lots of parking and convenient public transport access. It’ll provide respite care, therapy, life skills training and also some of the admin for Northcott in the area.

    JAMES: Okay, so like a one stop shop really, for people?

    SHORTEN: Yeah.

    JAMES: Okay, well, look, it’ll be interesting to see that unveiling today. I just wanted to take the opportunity, it’s been a couple of weeks now since you announced what’s probably the first of these major changes to the NDIS. You yourself have talked about the need for a major overhaul. We’ve seen a huge funding blowout, but I thought it might be interesting just to quickly talk about the progress of some of these changes. The list of services that are in and out of the NDIS. There’s this twelve month transitional period. I wonder if you’ve seen much activity in the past couple of weeks since you announced the list and who is the onus on in relation to these services? The client, the services or the NDIA?

    SHORTEN: Okay. NDIS is changing hundreds of thousands of lives for the better and what we’re trying to do is make sure that it’s – the money’s getting through to the people for whom the Scheme was designed. We also want to make sure that it’s their future generations. The year before I became the Minister, it was going 23, 24%, which is just too fast in a year. One of the issues that we found, after a lot of consultation with people, is that there was a lack of clarity about what you could spend your funds on. And most people are spending funds on the right things, I should say, and providers who are doing a good job. But what we found is that there are some opportunistic behaviour, unethical behaviour by a minority of service providers, where things are being sold to people on the Scheme that they were never intended to have money spent on. So, this is a list of what you can use your NDIS funds on and what you can’t. So, it’s clarity. And despite what a few critics said, the sun came up the next day and people are liking the clarity and they’re also liking the idea that some of the scammers and some of the nonsense therapies, you know, being given the boot.

    JAMES: So, just say, for example, you’re a client of the NDIS and you’ve been receiving. I won’t go through some of the no brainers that the NDIS should not be paying for your cigarettes and your gambling and all that sort of stuff. I mean, they’re kind of no brainers. But what if there’s something that’s been a little bit hazy, a particular alternative therapy that you believe helps you out? You’ve now realised, oh, this is probably not really available to me under my NDIS funding, how does that come to anyone’s attention? How does that stop?

    SHORTEN: Well, if, for whatever reason, you’ve got something on your plan which is not going to be supported in the future, if it’s on your current plan, you still get it. But I must say, that doesn’t include the sort of no brainer stuff which somehow was just getting in because invoices weren’t getting checked. So, if you’ve got something on your plan which is being phased out, if it’s on your current plan, fine. So, then you’ll have that until the end of your plan. Also, what happens is sometimes people get encouraged to spend money on something and they’re taken advantage of because of their disability. If it’s under $1,500, what we’ll do is we’ll educate the person when we see the invoice, we won’t try and recover a debt, but what we will do is explain that in the future this isn’t on. So, there’s a transition period of about a year. But what we’re also doing is – before I became the Minister, people could put in invoices and they just weren’t getting checked. So, you just got the money, no questions asked, for thousands of dollars without any explanation. So, that’s just ridiculous. So, the in and out list is also combined with better pre invoice checking at the agency, which really wasn’t happening before I became the Minister.

    JAMES: Is this kind of checking from now on or is there some kind of frantic audit system going on behind the scenes at the end of the day?

    SHORTEN: Well, there’s been a bit of, there’s been a bit of checking back and not retrospectively using this list, but more generally, it is unacceptable that for years people could put in invoices with no ABN and no explanation. That’s just not on. I love this Scheme, I bleed it. But I’m not going to have a few opportunists building their, you know, getting their, getting their, building their profits off, ripping off the taxpayer and people with disability.

    JAMES: Of course, we don’t know when the federal election is going to be, sometime between now and May. That’s not a long period of time. We know that you have announced your retirement from politics. You’re pretty much the architect of this Scheme originally and it will be a huge legacy that you’ve left for the country. But there are several changes to come. Needs based assessment process for access to the Scheme. So, in terms of diagnosis versus needs, etcetera, what happens to children in the states and territories needing to lift their game when it comes to assisting children with an autism diagnosis, for example, there’s the registration requirements for service providers. There’s a lot to get through that you’ve announced need to happen as an overhaul of this Scheme. It’s not all going to happen before you go, is it? I mean, what kind of state do you think you’ll be able to leave this Scheme in by the time you retiree?

    SHORTEN: Well, first of all, in a democracy, there’s always changes to who the Ministers are, so change is inevitable about the personalities. My aim in the last two and a half, three years has been to try and politician proof the Scheme, make it sustainable for the future so that whoever’s there, it’s consistent. So, in my time, we have put in an extra couple of thousand people to help the agency run properly. It was just chronically understaffed when you ring up, you’d always get a different person. That’s not acceptable you need – we’ve also got now 50% of the board of people who’ve lived experienced, led by Kurt Fearnley, Australia’s remarkable Paralympian and disability leader. We’ve also beefed up our detection system. We’ve now got hundreds of investigations into the crooks and we’ve got 56, 60 people in front of the courts. But we’ve also got an agreement with the states that the NDIS isn’t going to be the only lifeboat in the ocean. So, we’re going to build out a series of supports for people whose disabilities don’t require the full NDIS. But there’ll be services in the future which they can access anyway because they still need some support. We’ve now got agreement to register most of the service providers because at the moment, 90% plus of service providers in the Scheme are not registered. As we’ve just spoken about, we’ve now got a list of what you can and can’t spend your money on. So, who you spend your money with, what you can spend your money on, and also work out what is, how do you get consistent access to the Scheme, what are the rules? All of that work is now agreed and underway. Set. Now, we’re currently working right now work up till the day before I go on, how do we start the ball rolling about consistent assessment across the Scheme so people coming into the Scheme, people know how you get into it and what’s the standard? We’re also starting the work on registering the most high risk service provisions first. So there’s a lot of good people coming in and working in the Scheme. There’s, I think, a lot greater clarity about direction and agreement about the need to keep the Scheme sustainable. It’s been a lot of work done and it’s a bit like painting the Harbour Bridge. When you finish it, you just go back and start again. So, that’s the NDIS. It’s a massive Australian institution, but Australians can now be sure that it’s better run and more accountably run than what we found three years ago.

    JAMES: Bill Shorten, I appreciate your time this morning. Thank you very much.

    SHORTEN: Yeah, lovely. Cheers. Bye.

    JAMES: That’s the Minister for the NDIS, Bill Shorten.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Minister Shorten interview on 2ST Mornings with Graeme Day

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    Program:

    2ST Mornings

    Interviewer:

    Graeme Day

    E&OE TRANSCRIPT

    SUBJECTS: Northcott Dapto Disability Hub; NDIS reform

    GRAEME DAY, HOST: It’s coming up to a quarter to 10 and on the line is the Minister for the NDIS and Government Services. It’s a very good morning to Bill Shorten, hello.

    BILL SHORTEN, MINISTER FOR THE NDIS AND GOVERNMENT SERVICES: G’day, Graham. How are you today?

    DAY: Not too bad, not too bad. A busy day for you. You’re on the south coast?

    SHORTEN: Yeah, it’s fantastic. I was invited to be the special guest at a really moving event last night in Wollongong. The CEO of Greenacres, which is a marvellous disability service, 71 years old. CEO Chris Christodoulou after the last 11 years is finishing up and he’s done a great job there, but it was really moving. A lot of the participants were there, their families, a lot of the good and the great of Wollongong, Ryan Park, Paul Scully, Alison Byrne and Stephen Jones. But most importantly, Chris and his family and the guy has made a difference. And today I’m going to the new Northcott Disability Hub in Dapto, which is going to be great for people with disability in the local region

    DAY: It must be good to see government money going into these facilities and make it easier for people?

    SHORTEN: Yeah, I’m a believer. I believe that one of the best things the Government can do with very important taxes people pay is make sure that people with profound and severe disability get a better chance. And, you know, really, I know Aussies don’t like paying tax, well most don’t, but when it comes to things like Medicare and making sure that the profoundly and severely impaired have a chance for a more fulfilling life, you know, I think that’s – it’s great. And so I’m very motivated to make sure that the money gets through to the people for whom the Scheme, the NDIS was designed.

    DAY: Now, the NDIS, it certainly had its problems. When you took over as the Minister, did you realise the enormity of what had to be fixed? How far it was off the rails?

    SHORTEN: I don’t – no, I mean, the short answer is no – I don’t know if you’ve ever ordered anything on eBay and the photos look good, but when you get it, you go, hmm, that’s not what I ordered? No, the truth is a bit better than that. The reality is the NDIS is helping hundreds of thousands of people. There’s now 660,000 people receiving personal budgets and support. There’s over 400,000 people work in the sector. When I sort of campaigned for the idea, like in 2008, 9, 10, if you’d said that we’d have a Scheme helping this many people, I’d have said, you know, what’s that line out of The Castle when they talk about the price of jousting sticks? I’d say tell them they’re dreaming. But the reality is it is doing good. When Labor lost in 2013, there were four trial sites. So, you know, credit to the Libs, they’ve got it up to scale, but their eye was not on the ball when it came to the back office functions, you know, the scrutiny of their payments, looking for quality. I mean, a lot of service providers do a great job, but there are some people who are attracted like flies to the barbecue, seeing government money just lining their own pockets. And I’ve been all about getting rid of the, you know, the snake oil salesmen and the crooks out of the Scheme.

    DAY: And you’ve been fairly successful with that too, because when it first started, it seemed like there was an NDIS provider on every corner. But that has reduced somewhat because of the scrutiny that basically the Labor Government’s put on it.

    SHORTEN: Yeah, listen, this is a growth industry. You know, I used to be a union rep with the AWU and look after the steel industry. Steel is a big industry in the Illawarra, Port Kembla. There’s about 20,000 people working still, but in the last 15 years, this NDIS sector has gone from none to – it’ll be half a million people working in the next few years, which is good. The need was always there. So, it’s a growth industry, but what we’ve got to do is make sure it’s growing along set lines, that it’s not the Wild West, that people are not selling snake oil and shonky therapies or just manipulating, treating participants and their carers and their families as human ATMs.

    DAY: Can I ask you a question on behalf of the public? I think where the problem lies with the interaction of the public with government – people often say to me, with all the technology we have, for all the people that we have that are skilled, why is it with the NDIS, with Centrelink and what have you, why does it take so bloody long? It seems that there’s so much waiting time there with people that need help?

    SHORTEN: I have an answer. The reality is that you can’t run human services without humans. And my predecessors had bought the digital revolution and they’re right, it’s much quicker to do things online. But not everyone wants to go online. We get 10 million people a year coming into Centrelink or Service Australia offices. The problem is the staff have been cut to the bone. Ten years ago there was about 37,000 people working. The deal was apparently that we buy all this fancy technology and we wouldn’t need people. What we got instead was Robodebt. What we’ve got – we got down to about 27,000 staff and that’s a disaster. So, now we’re up above 30,000. Call waiting times for both Medicare and social welfare payments have now fallen and in other words, it’s getting less time before you get answered. Would you believe I’ve just introduced a queuing system in Service Australia office where you ring ahead and you can make an appointment. I know that is not rocket science, but you know, this is a major development and with the NDIA, when people knew that we were reforming, we did get a sort of tsunami of extra claims in the last six months. People trying to proverbially, some people, getting in for last drinks before we turned the tap off of some of the scams. But that’s now coming back to more manageable level. I’m sorry people have had bad experiences waiting. I know it is happening, but all I can tell you is that the KPI or the sort of key performance indicator I asked from my senior public servants is tell me waiting times every week on the phone. I just want to know are we getting it done more quickly and are we processing payments more quickly? Now I know for someone who’s still waiting to get their old Age Pension sorted or their DSP, they might say, well, it doesn’t matter what Bill says, I’m still waiting. The fact is, on a lot of indicators, like it’s just evidence, so I’m confident to say it. We have – it is getting better, you know, the number of complaints that we get have been cut in half in terms of Centrelink. The other good thing is in the NDIS, the number of complaints we’re investigating nearly doubled because we’re putting more resources into investigating the rorts.

    DAY: You certainly have done a great job. One thing just before you go, because I know you’ve got to go shortly, you’ve decided in the not too distant future to call it a day on your political career? You’ve certainly been high profile. You’ve seen the ups and you’ve seen the downs. When it comes to public life, what, what is the moment where you go, look, I’m going to step down and spend more time for me or my family because we often see it in public life and it comes out of the blue? Was it a long process of you thinking it through or was it just one day walking up the stairs going, you know what, I think I might like to do something else?

    SHORTEN: Sort of a mix. I mean, first of all, I should say that for all the crap days – and sometimes you have them – I wouldn’t give up a single day in the last 17 years. Probably the only day I’d give up is the day my mum passed. And other than that, you know, I’m – what’s that Frank Sinatra line? Regrets, I’ve got a few, but then again, too few to mention. I – no one in my family’s ever been a politician, like my family – you know, my grandma was an air raid warden in Britain, and she lived in the northeast in public housing. My mum was the first in the family to ever go to university. No one – I pinch myself, it’s a privilege to serve. When I occasionally hear about pollies lining in their own pockets, it drives me nuts because that’s not what most of them do. I just think it’s a privilege to serve. The hard thing is, when do you call it quits? When do you say, I’ll do something else? Because I’m not retiring. I’m moving into another aspect of public life, helping adults, young people and adults do lifelong learning and universities, and how do we foster a spirit of critical thinking and enquiry in a generation? So, I’m going to a busy job, but it’ll be less partisan, which is fine. I’m happy not to have to trade sledges every day. I mean, at a certain point you get sick of playing in the cricket team of sledging, which is parliament. I’ve mixed feelings. I love my portfolio. Not everyone in my portfolios loves me, but I love them, well nearly everyone. I love my electorate. I live in the northwestern suburbs of Melbourne. I’ve lived there for 35 years, like, I love it. Do you leave when you’re going well, or do you leave when you’re carried out? I had a choice to be a lifer and there’s nothing wrong with that. I never wanted to be, with respect, a corporate door opener. That’s what some politicians do. There’s this myth that we all get pensions. We don’t. We’re very well remunerated, but I’ve always known the day after politics I’ll have to find a job. So, I applied for the this job to run the university under my own steam. It wasn’t a government appointment, so I’ve got mixed feelings. I love what I do and I’m really going to love helping the University of Canberra, but also higher education and TAFE. You know, I’m interested in – we can’t stop learning and I think Australia does best when we’re giving people the skills to equip – the future is changing so quickly. How do we help people? So, I’m going into a new facet of helping people, but I love what I do currently. I mean, when does a good athlete – not that I’m an athlete, but when does a good athlete stop playing footy? When does, you know, when do any of us, you know, you’re a good journalist, when do you decide you want to do something else? It’s not – I would give no advice to anyone else except always pick a job that you love doing.

    DAY: Absolutely. Mate, thanks so much. Thanks for the job that you have done and say g’day to Stephen Jones for us as you do the opening today at Northcott.

    SHORTEN: Sorry, mate, we broke up then.

    DAY: I was just saying thanks for the job that you have done and say g’day to Steve Jones for us when you – both of you are there for the opening of Northcott at Dapto today.

    SHORTEN: Yeah, well, that was – I’m going to look forward to Northcott today, but that was [inaudible]

    DAY: Okay, mate. Okay, we’ll talk soon.

    SHORTEN: All right, good on you. Thank you.

    DAY: Okay, great to talk to you. Thanks so much. Bye.

    SHORTEN: Bye.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: When does the love of the game outweigh the cost? ABC’s Plum brings rugby league’s concussion crisis to the fore

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle O’Shea, Senior Lecturer, School of Business, Western Sydney University

    ABC

    Brendan Cowell’s 2021 novel Plum has expertly wed two seemingly unnatural partners: rugby league and poetry. Cowell’s story is both an ode of love to rugby league, and a powerful exploration of the catastrophic effects of sport-induced brain injury.

    This story has now been brought to life in an ABC drama of the same name. It brilliantly reflects the experience of many players who are left to suffer – often in silence – with the long-term costs of the game.

    A theatre of damage revealed

    Our introduction to the main character, Peter “The Plum” Lum (played by Cowell), is jarring. Plum’s body lies motionless in a darkened changing room, enveloped by the distant sounds of a roaring stadium full of fans, a sharp referee’s whistle and the commentator’s pitched voice: “this poor bloke, he has had his head absolutely battered”.

    We watch the doctor’s light worryingly cast to and fro across Plum’s dazed gaze, while his heavily pregnant wife’s concerned face looms large. Much larger, however, is the coach’s demand: “get the salts doc” – and his insistence that “the only way he (Plum) isn’t going back out there (on the field) is if he is fucking dead”.

    And so the act proceeds, with Plum, like many athletes before and after him, returning heroically to the field. Though his team is victorious – another trophy retained – we’re forced to consider the unspoken costs of his love for the game.

    These costs are amplified once the adoration from Plum’s fans and teammates, and his mantle as Cronulla’s king, are no more. We come to know a shell of a man who is desperate to deny, despite the advice of his doctor, the cognitive and other effects of the “little jolts” and “hard head knocks” experienced throughout his career.

    The intensity with which Plum keeps his health condition a secret, and the ongoing abuse he levels on his body, provide a window into the lived experiences of many rugby league players. While this game gives, it also takes more than its fair share.

    Asher Keddie stars as Plum’s former wife, Renee.
    ABC

    Masculinity and collision sports

    The series highlights the emerging scientific link between collision sports such as rugby league and degenerative brain conditions including CTE-induced dementia – as well as attempts to discredit this science and silence the voices of athletes and families seeking redress from league administrators.

    Contact and collision sports have often required athletes to sacrifice their brains and bodies in the pursuit of glory and success.

    While a diagnosis of the degenerative brain disease Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) can only be made posthumously, Plum displays many of the hallmark symptoms: impaired judgement, impulse control issues, aggression, depression and anxiety.

    Viewers are taken into the deep fog of this existence. As a 1990s playmaker, Plum had fame but not fortune. Nearing 50, working at an airport, we see a traumatic near-miss as he experiences an epileptic seizure.

    His forgetfulness leaves him unable to remember his favourite player’s name at a Cronulla Sharks corporate event. He suffers confusion and anxiety. Aggressive acts, including punching holes in bedroom walls, become his daily pain and shame.

    Plum’s absent father’s advice to “never take a backwards step” also echoes throughout the series, reflecting the deeply embedded view of rugby league as a hard sport played by equally hard men.

    This hard man veneer is grounded in stoicism – and for Plum and his former teammates, in unhealthy addictions to gambling, drugs and grog. Plum repels his family and friends, making his world intentionally small for fear he might forget something or someone. The series brings to the fore the raw and visceral effects of hypermasculinity and not speaking out.

    Cowell himself hails from the Sydney suburb of Cronulla, where the show is set.
    ABC

    Rugby league and poetry

    The series also features poetry and the presence of past literary figures (conjured in Plum’s mind) such as Charles Bukowski and Sylvia Plath. As viewers, we see Plum’s internal dialogues with these apparitions, but his family and friends can’t.

    Plum also joins a local poetry group, where his decaying brain finds purpose and connection. This unlikely outlet becomes his therapy. It comforts him and provides him a space to communicate his experiences with the outside world. Through his ode to rugby league, we witness him come closer to clarity.



    Read more:
    Why a portrait of a former NRL great could spark greater concussion awareness in Australia

    All the while, Plum’s son is a talented player on the verge of a professional rugby league contract. And although Plum doesn’t regret a minute of his playing career, his prognosis leaves him urging his son away from the sport’s theatre of damage. This is a decision echoed by many parents in real life.

    The future of collision sports

    Reflecting on the potential impact of his book and the ABC series, Cowell imagines a space where the competitive commercial rivalries between football codes such as AFL, rugby union and soccer are suspended.

    Instead of competing for a greater share of the market via trivial one-upmanship, sport leagues could pool their resources to invest in science that helps us understand and prevent sport-induced brain trauma.

    Considering how many rugby players conceal and/or fail to report concussive episodes, we’ll need a major cultural shakeup at all levels of the game – because a love for the game should never come at the expense of oneself.

    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. When does the love of the game outweigh the cost? ABC’s Plum brings rugby league’s concussion crisis to the fore – https://theconversation.com/when-does-the-love-of-the-game-outweigh-the-cost-abcs-plum-brings-rugby-leagues-concussion-crisis-to-the-fore-240550

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Involved in Shooting During Tennessee State University Homecoming Charged with Federal Firearm Violation

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

    NASHVILLE – A criminal complaint obtained today charges Marquez Davis, 24 of Nashville, with being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee Thomas J. Jaworski.

    According to the complaint, officers of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (“MNPD”) were searching for Davis on October 14, 2024, to arrest him on state charges related to the deadly shooting on Jefferson Street during Tennessee State University’s Homecoming celebration on October 12th. MNPD officers located Davis in a house in North Nashville and prepared to arrest him on outstanding warrants. Footage from law enforcement’s aerial surveillance showed an individual, later identified as Davis, exit the residence’s rooftop, climb to an adjacent rooftop, and discard a firearm. Davis was then arrested by MNPD on criminal homicide charges related to the October 12th shooting on Jefferson Street.  Officers recovered a Franklin Armory Inc, Model FAI-15 caliber multi-pistol near where Davis discarded it from the rooftop. According to the criminal complaint, Davis has prior felony convictions for robbery, possession of a controlled substance for resale, and being a felon in possession of a handgun.

    “Everyone in our community must be able to gather and celebrate together without fearing random gun violence,” said Acting United States Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski. “Our office will do whatever it takes to keep firearms out of the hands of felons who may use those firearms to inflict greater damage on our citizens.” Jaworski added: “Our firm commitment is in our continued partnership with Chief Drake and the MNPD to hold offenders accountable, reduce gun violence, and ensure safer communities for everyone.”

    If convicted, the defendant faces up to 15 years in prison.

    This case is being investigated by the MNPD and the ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ahmed A. Safeeullah is prosecuting the case.  

    A federal complaint is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

    # # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Mid North Coast Midwifery Group Practice expanded

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Mid North Coast Midwifery Group Practice expanded

    Published: 18 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Regional Health, Minister for Women

    An expansion of the Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) model on the Mid North Coast is providing more women and their families with access to evidence-based midwifery continuity of care.

    Mid North Coast Local Health District recently announced the commencement of a new MGP service and Maternity Antenatal Postnatal Service (MAPS) in the Hastings Macleay region.

    The MGP service commenced in Port Macquarie in September, supporting increased access to continuity of care with a known midwife.

    Under the MGP model, women receive care from a known primary midwife throughout their pregnancy, labour, birth and up to six weeks after birth. MGP midwives work as part of a small team to ensure support and minimise potential disruptions to care.

    A review of criteria for MGP is also enabling more women with higher-level care needs to access the service where clinically appropriate, or to stay in the program if they develop risk factors during pregnancy.

    In May this year, a dedicated team of midwives began providing MAPS care at Kempsey District Hospital and Port Macquarie Base Hospital. The MAPS model offers midwifery continuity in the antenatal and postnatal periods, while birth care is provided by a core hospital birthing team.

    These new services are in addition to the existing MGP models in place at Coffs Harbour and Macksville since 2021.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

    “We are committed to ensuring women across NSW have access to respectful, evidence-based maternity care. I am proud of the work Mid Morth Coast Local Health District is doing to expand its midwifery continuity of care models.

    “These models of care enable women to get to know their midwife throughout their pregnancy, who then provide postnatal care in the home for up to six weeks to support mother-baby bonding and a healthy start to life.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Women Jodie Harrison:

    “Women’s health and wellbeing are a key focus for this government. It’s important we provide women with continuity of care so they feel supported during their pregnancy and after their baby is born.

    “With the expansion of the MGP to Mid North Coast, we are increasing the number of women who will be able to access to midwifery continuity of care.”

    Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Port Macquarie Cameron Murphy, MLC:

    “I welcome Mid North Coast Local Health District’s commitment to improving maternity services for women in Port Macquarie, so they, their babies and their families can have the best possible experience in our hospitals.”

    Quotes attributable to MNCLHD acting Chief Executive Jill Wong:

    “We’re thrilled to expand the midwifery continuity of care models across the Mid North Coast region and to build on the successful Coffs Harbour and Macksville models which have been in place since 2021.

    “We’re committed to delivering midwifery-led care and offering more choice to pregnant women and their families. I thank the many staff and consumers who have worked to deliver these positive changes.”

    Quotes attributable to Courtney Harvey, who had her baby Charlotte through the MAPS service at Kempsey:

    “Being a first-time mum, everything can be a little scary, there are so many unknowns about labour and birth. The first few weeks, everything is such a big change but having my own midwife at all my appointments made such a big difference, it was really lovely.

    “It was nice having the same point of contact for everything in my pregnancy.

    “My postnatal care was amazing. I loved that my midwife did an antenatal home visit prior to me having my baby. It was nice having her come into my space at home during the antenatal period and I could get comfortable having a health professional in my own home.

    “If I am blessed to have more children, I would really hope that I can have the same experience as I have had with my pregnancy and birth this time as it has all been so positive, so special, I wouldn’t want to change it. I hope I can have continuity, and birth here, once again.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Full steam ahead for the Albury to Illabo section of the Inland Rail project

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Full steam ahead for the Albury to Illabo section of the Inland Rail project

    Published: 18 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads

    The NSW Government has approved the Albury to Illabo section of the 1,600-kilometre Inland Rail project between Brisbane and Melbourne.

    The Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI) project has now been formally approved by the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully. The approval means the project remains on target for the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) to begin construction in south-western NSW in early 2025.

    The work will include upgrades to rail tracks, footbridges and road bridges, overhead structures, signal structures and level crossings on agricultural land and through Albury, Culcairn, Henty, Yerong Creek, The Rock, Uranquinty, Wagga Wagga and Junee.

    The project’s approval, includes consent conditions that relate to traffic monitoring, transport infrastructure upgrades and noise and biodiversity management.

    Following the completion of the Inland Rail, Australia’s regional freight capacity will be expanded, meaning less trucks on the road and lower freight industry emissions.

    With a capital investment of $300.8 million for this section of the rail line, the project is a major economic boost for the region on top of the 770 new jobs provided by the project.

    The Albury to Illabo connection is one of seven sections traversing the inland length of NSW and its approval comes weeks after the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces approved the Illabo to Stockinbingal Inland Rail project.

    More information is available here: https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/assess-and-regulate/state-significant-projects/inland-rail/albury-to-illabo

    Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

    “Improved Inland Rail will enhance our national freight and supply chain capabilities by connecting and improving routes through rail, roads and ports.

    “I look forward to seeing this critical state significant infrastructure project come to life over the next few years and the many benefits it will bring to regional NSW.

    “This project has gone through a rigorous planning process with extensive consultation completed to minimise impacts and maximise the project’s opportunities.”

    Minister for Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty said:

    “Inland Rail promises to be a game changer for people across rural NSW.

    “Regional communities need big developments to keep workers in the bush actively contributing to their communities, with this project providing 770 new jobs.

    “We are proud that NSW continues to help Inland Rail’s essential journey through Australia’s three eastern states.”

    Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

    “This section of Inland Rail will provide a valuable infrastructure link for the Murray region as it connects with this vital piece of national infrastructure.

    “The NSW Government is working with Inland Rail to deliver this project and strengthen its commitment to the regions.

    “Consumers right across regional NSW stand to benefit with valuable cost savings once the Inland Rail project is complete as our state will have a more efficient and sustainable freight transport.

    “The Albury to Illabo and Stockinbingal to Parkes sections of the Inland Rail project have already injected more than $4.2 million across these local economies with many businesses receiving a timely economic boost during a cost-of-living crisis.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: More support available for women in Western NSW experiencing severe menopause symptoms

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: More support available for women in Western NSW experiencing severe menopause symptoms

    Published: 18 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Regional Health, Minister for Western New South Wales, Minister for Women

    Women experiencing severe or complex menopause symptoms now have improved access to additional support following the establishment of Western NSW Local Health District’s (WNSWLHD) new menopause referral service.

    WNSWLHD’s new Specialised Menopause Referral Service aims to provide assistance and support for women whose symptoms have not responded to previous treatments, or those women who face additional complications from other medical conditions.

    The new service has been established as part of NSW Health’s menopause network, which has four hubs and multiple referral sites across the state and is networked with the South-Western Sydney LHD hub.

    General practitioners, specialists and nurse practitioners are able to refer women to the service for advanced care.

    Care Coordinators will assist with triage and navigate care locally, supporting the medically-led, multi-disciplinary hub team of nursing and allied health professionals to provide holistic support.

    The WNSWLHD Specialised Menopause Referral Service will deliver care using a hybrid approach, with a largely virtual service coupled with face-to-face consultations when they are required.

    More information is available here

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

    “I’m pleased to announce this service has been launched today on World Menopause Day today, to improve menopause care and support options available for local women.

    “This Specialised Menopause Referral Service will promote flexibility and choice in the way women in Western NSW access support to manage severe menopause symptoms, and by improving access locally this service will significantly reduce the need to travel for this important care.

    “Up to one in four women endure severe and debilitating menopause symptoms, which is why services like this one are so important.

    “By continuing to break down barriers like geographic isolation through effective use of virtual care technology, this service will help us continue to improve health outcomes.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Women Jodie Harrison:

    “Menopause will affect most women at some stage of their life.

    “This new menopause referral service will provide much needed support to women in regional areas who experience complex menopausal symptoms and can provide advice about associated health risks of menopause.

    “On this World Menopause Day, I also encourage women to speak up – you don’t have to suffer in silence. There is support available from your GP and specialists. The Menopause Toolkit can help you understand a bit more about perimenopause and menopause symptoms, and the care available.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Western NSW Tara Moriarty:

    “Every woman is different, and every woman experiences different symptoms of menopause. But many women experiencing severe or complex symptoms will endure in silence which can seriously impact their health and wellbeing.

    “That’s why enhancements like this are so important, this service is eye-opening and will be potentially life-changing for many women in Western NSW, which is home to some of our state’s most remote and most vulnerable populations.”

    Quotes attributable to WNSWLHD Senior Manager Women’s Health and Violence Prevention Nicolla Giddings:

    “Severe symptoms of menopause don’t discriminate, and our new Specialised Menopause Referral Service aims to help local women access the support they need as close to home as possible.

    “Being an inclusive service and providing reliable access to advanced care for people living in rural areas of our District is at the forefront of this new service, to also increase the comfort levels of women while they receive care.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Israeli military confirms killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    This file photo taken on May 1, 2017 shows Yahya Sinwar (front) in Gaza city. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA) jointly confirmed Thursday that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed in the Gaza Strip by Israeli soldiers on Wednesday.

    “IDF soldiers from the Southern Command eliminated Yahya Sinwar … in an operation in the southern Gaza Strip,” the Israeli army said in a statement.

    The IDF said that its soldiers killed three militants in the operation, and later, it turned out that one of them was Sinwar, who “was responsible for the murder and abduction of many Israelis.”

    According to the statement, Sinwar was killed after hiding over the past year behind the civilian population of Gaza, both above and below ground, in Hamas tunnels in the Gaza Strip.

    “The dozens of operations carried out by the IDF and the ISA over the last year, and in recent weeks in the area where he was eliminated, restricted Sinwar’s operational movement as he was pursued by the forces and led to his elimination,” the statement added.

    Shortly before the IDF statement, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz confirmed Sinwar’s death in a message to foreign ministers of other countries, saying that “this is a great military and moral achievement for Israel.”

    According to the foreign minister, “the elimination of Sinwar creates a possibility for the immediate release of the Israeli abductees and to bring about a change that will lead to a new reality in Gaza, without Hamas nor Iranian control.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Call for information – Assault with intent to steal – Katherine

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Northern Territory Police are calling for information after an assault with intent to steal in Katherine overnight.

    Around 10:45pm, police received reports that five unknown males allegedly smashed the passenger window of a vehicle parked at McDonalds on First street and threatened the occupants with an edged weapon.

    The victims were able to drive away and avoid further confrontation.

    Police urge anyone with information or who witnessed the incident to make contact on 131 444 and reference NTP2400104863.

    Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: DPRK top leader calls S. Korea ‘foreign country and apparent hostile country’

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The top leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) called South Korea “a foreign country and an apparent hostile country,” and stressed “useless awareness about fellow countrymen and unreasonable idea of reunification” when he addressed inter-Korean relations, as he called for ramping up the war-fighting capabilities during an inspection trip to the headquarters of the 2nd Corps of the Korean People’s Army on Thursday, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Friday.

    Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the DPRK, made the remarks as he made the trip to encourage the officers and troops of the large combined unit that “have reliably defended the territory of our state, always maintaining full combat readiness on high alert at the forefront near the border,” the KCNA said.

    Kim learned of the combat readiness of the military units ready for combat operations under the corps after being briefed on the current situation.

    The KCNA said the DPRK leader reminded the armed forces of “the stark fact that the ROK is a foreign country and an apparent hostile country,” referring to South Korea by using the acronym of its official name, the Republic of Korea.

    Recalling that the DPRK has completely blocked the roads and railways to the ROK territory two days ago through detonations, Kim said that the move means “not only the physical closure but also the end of the evil relationship with Seoul” and “the complete removal of the useless awareness about fellow countrymen and unreasonable idea of reunification,” according to the KCNA report.

    “When the DPRK sovereignty is violated by the ROK, a hostile country, its physical forces will be used unhesitatingly, without sticking to (any) conditions any longer,” Kim was quoted by the KCNA as saying.

    Citing serious security circumstances, Kim urged the DPRK military “to continue concentrating all efforts on bolstering up the war-fighting capabilities, and to take more perfect military steps for reliably defending the security of the country through the permanent overwhelming combat readiness,” the KCNA said.

    In the latest sign of the heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, the DPRK confirmed on Thursday that the roads and railways connecting South Korea in the eastern and western parts of the DPRK southern border had been completely blocked through explosion operations, a previous KCNA report said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Elements of the 15th MEU Return Home from Deployment Aboard USS Harpers Ferry

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.  –  

    More than 300 Marines and Sailors with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, embarked aboard USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49), returned home to San Diego Oct. 16 after completing a seven-month deployment in the U.S. 7th and 3rd Fleet areas of operation.

    The deployment, which began on March 19, marked a milestone as it included the first operational use of the Marine Corps’ new amphibious combat vehicles. The experience and insights gained by the ACV Platoon and Battalion Landing Team 1/5 during this deployment have laid the groundwork for refining tactics, logistics, and maintenance practices for future expeditionary operations.

    “Our team aboard Harpers Ferry made lasting contributions in the Indo-Pacific, conducting training while integrated with our allies, in both the Philippines and South Korea,” said Col. Sean Dynan, commanding officer of the 15th MEU. “They accomplished so much during these seven months while taking on the unique responsibility of employing ACVs on their first deployment. The lessons they learned and the procedures they developed with their Navy counterparts will inform future operations for years to come.”

    Elements of the 15th MEU aboard Harpers Ferry included Marines and Sailors from the Command Element, BLT 1/5, and Combat Logistics Battalion 15.

    During the deployment, 15th MEU forces aboard Harpers Ferry engaged in three major exercises. In the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, Marines and Sailors joined other elements of the 15th MEU assigned to the amphibious transport dock USS Somerset (LPD 25) in the Philippines for Exercise Balikatan 24. This bilateral exercise, conducted with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, focused on securing key maritime terrain, conducting simulated long-range precision strikes, and enhancing missile defense capabilities.

    During Balikatan, the ACV Platoon conducted a live-fire waterborne gunnery exercise in Oyster Bay, marking the first overseas employment of ACVs. Using their automated remote weapons systems, the ACVs engaged simulated targets afloat and on shore.

    After the conclusion of Balikatan, the 15th MEU’s force aboard Harpers Ferry remained in the Philippines to participate in Archipelagic Coastal Defense Continuum (ACDC) from May 13-24. ACDC included bilateral training with the Philippine Marine Corps’ 3rd Marine Brigade (3MBDE) to bolster coastal defense strategies. The 15th MEU and 3MBDE conducted large-scale coastal defense rehearsals and completed the largest military convoy to date on Palawan Island, moving forces rapidly to simulate a coastal defense scenario.

    ACDC also featured numerous subject matter expert exchanges between BLT 1/5 and CLB-15 with their Philippine counterparts on various topics, such as weapons employment, unmanned aircraft systems integration, tactical combat casualty care, and motorized operations. These exchanges strengthened U.S.-Philippine bilateral military proficiency and improved mutual understanding of defense tactics in the Philippines.

    Following ACDC in the Philippines, the 15th MEU embarked aboard Harpers Ferry and traveled to Okinawa, Japan. On June 24, Alpha Company, BLT 1/5, and the ACV Platoon conducted a ship-to-shore movement, with the ACVs splashing into the waters off White Beach Naval Facility after Alpha Company’s Marines practiced troop egress and transfer procedures. This marked the ACVs’ first time ashore in a foreign country.

    In August, the 15th MEU’s forces aboard the USS Harpers Ferry arrived in South Korea to conduct two weeks of unit-level training (ULT) alongside the Republic of Korea Marine Corps’ 7th Brigade. During this period, the Marines demonstrated the off-road mobility and automated crew-served weapons capabilities of the new ACVs in a series of live-fire exercises.

    The highlight of their month-long stay was Exercise Ssang Yong 24, where Alpha Company embarked the ACVs for a large-scale amphibious landing at Hwajin-ri Beach near Pohang. Meaning “twin dragons,” Ssang Yong featured the first overseas amphibious assault conducted with ACVs, as U.S. and Korean forces landed together, strengthening the ROK-U.S. Alliance and the capability to defend the Korean Peninsula.

    “Working with our allies in South Korea one-on-one at the tactical level was extremely rewarding for both our Marines and the ROK Marines,” said Capt. Erik Lindskog, the Alpha Company commander. “Through the combined training, both live fire and information exchanges, we learned a lot from each other. In South Korea and in the Philippines, we arrived as training partners, worked through language barriers, and we left as friends.”

    Throughout the deployment, the ACVs demonstrated their versatility, maneuverability, and firepower in various scenarios, ranging from beach assaults to coordinated live-fire defense operations. The data and lessons learned from these exercises will help shape the future use of ACVs in amphibious operations and ensure the Marine Corps continues to refine the tactics and procedures necessary for employing this new platform.

    “The work our Marines and Sailors aboard Harpers Ferry have completed over the past seven months, both strengthening alliances and advancing new Marine Corps capabilities, has been simply outstanding,” said Lt. Col. Nicholas Freeman, the commanding officer of BLT 1/5. “Our ACV Platoon and the rest of Alpha Company have been literally writing the book on employing this platform, albeit with tremendous support from leaders and experts from across our Service. I’m grateful for all the dedication that got us to this deployment, and I’m proud of how this team has done everything they can to help lead the modernization of the assault amphibian community.”

    The 15th MEU’s Marines and Sailors aboard Harpers Ferry played a critical role in advancing U.S. military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific, enhancing regional security by strengthening relationships with key allies, and shaping future deployments of the amphibious combat vehicle in expeditionary environments.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: University of Tasmania ‘The Shed’ opening

    Source: Australian Ministers for Education

    I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land on which we are meeting and pay my respects to elders past and present. 

    I also acknowledge: 

    • Tasmanian Minister for Education, Jo Palmer
    • Launceston Mayor, Councillor Matthew Garwood
    • Vice Chancellor Professor Rufus Black
    • My good friend, Senator Helen Polley

    It is wonderful to be here today to open The Shed. I’ve got to say it is the most impressive shed I’ve ever seen. 

    I was here not too long ago when it was still being built.

    It really is fantastic to see it come to life and from next year offering degrees in everything from science, nursing, pharmacy, allied health, medicine and physiotherapy. 

    When I think about the best universities in Australia, I don’t look at rankings. 

    I look at what they do.

    And when I do that, I see universities like you.

    Universities that are the real deal when it comes to fairness and opening the doors of opportunity. 

    When it comes to helping more people from poor families and the regions to get a crack.

    Things that are important to me.

    Last year, 16 per cent of university students were from disadvantaged backgrounds. 

    Here at University of Tasmania it was 25 per cent.

    That sort of university doesn’t just change the lives of the students you teach. 

    It ricochets through generations. 

    It transforms communities. 

    That’s the power of education. 

    That’s why the deal that Jo and I, and the Prime Minister and Premier Rockliff, signed a few weeks ago is so important. 

    Properly funding our schools and tying it to reforms to help young Tasmanians catch up, keep up and boosting the number of children finishing high school.

    Building that bridge to get here. 

    But it’s not just about the number of people who go to university or the number who finish school or go to early education and care.

    It’s even more basic than that. 

    It’s the number of years you are likely to live. 

    Last time I was here, Rufus and I talked exactly about that.

    In Newstead – 2.5 km down the road – the average life expectancy is 85.

    In Grindelwald – 18 km north of here – it is 74.

    11 years less. 

    The average person in Grindelwald lives 11 years less than the average person in Newstead.

    About 25 minutes apart on a good day. 

    And it’s the same if you look in the Hobart region. 

    In Bridgewater, the life expectancy is 67 and in Sandy Bay it’s 86. That’s 19 years less.

    In fact, for every kilometre you travel north away from Sandy Bay, you lose a year of life expectancy. 

    That’s what inequity really looks like in its most awful form. 

    Education can’t change everything. 

    But it is the most powerful change-maker in this country.

    It’s why the reforms I am driving in higher education are about giving more people a crack at university. 

    About breaking down the barrier that stops a lot of people from the outer suburbs and regions getting a look in. 

    It’s why places like this are so important. 

    This is more than just a building, it’s a beacon.

    It shows you know, like I do, that education is the most powerful cause for good in this country. 

    UTAS describes itself as “an agent for change”.

    That’s what education is. 

    It’s the greatest tool we have to build a country where your chances in life don’t depend on who your parents are, where you live or the colour of your skin. 

    A country that the Prime Minister describes as a place where no one is held back and no one is left behind. 

    We can be that country.

    And our education system can make it real. 

    But that means serious reform. 

    The sort we are doing now. 

    And more.

    And it will be better because of what you have built right here in Northern Tasmania. 

    It’s an honour to be here and share this moment with you today.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: XTOOLOnline Launches the XTOOL D5, D5S, D6, D6S, and IP500 OBD2 Scanner: Trusted Automotive Diagnostic Tools Backed by Industry-Leading Innovation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SANTA ANA, Calif., Oct. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — XtoolOnline, a leader in advanced automotive diagnostics, has unveiled eight new tools, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s evolution. Jim Jin, CEO of XtoolOnline, stated, “This launch features a comprehensive product matrix, including single-model, four-system, and full-system tools. We developed these offerings to address gaps in our current product line at this price point, cater to diverse consumer needs, and further enhance our brand visibility.”

    XtoolOnline’s newly launched eight tools feature a fresh design, portable size, and robust capabilities. This lineup includes the four-system XTOOL D5 and D5S, the full-system XTOOL D6 and D6S, as well as the four single-model diagnostic tools IP500. The intuitive interface makes them accessible to both novice users and seasoned professionals, ensuring seamless operation and enhanced efficiency.

    D5/D5S: Four-System Diagnostic Tool

    The XTOOL D5/D5S is designed for automotive technicians and DIY enthusiasts looking for reliable diagnostics at an entry-level price. Developed with an in-depth understanding of our customers’ diverse daily diagnostic needs, this tool provides basic diagnostics for four systems, along with complete OBD2 functionality. The D5 includes 9 special functions, while the D5S enhances your capabilities with 15 special functions, making it an excellent choice for those starting in vehicle diagnostics.

    D6/D6S: All-System Diagnostic Tool

    For professionals seeking advanced diagnostic solutions, the XTOOL D6/D6S offers extensive vehicle coverage and comprehensive OBD2 functionality. The D6 includes 15 special functions, while the D6S boasts an impressive 30 special functions. This series is ideal for daily repair tasks, delivering exceptional performance and outstanding value as a cost-effective solution for both seasoned professionals and automotive enthusiasts. The D6 series represents an upgrade from the D5 series, catering to users who require more advanced diagnostic capabilities.

    IP500: All-System, Full-Function Diagnostic Tool for Specific Vehicle Models: IP500-TLS, IP500-BMR, IP500-BCC, and IP500-DJC

    The XTOOL IP500 series is tailored for specific vehicle models such as BMW, Toyota, Buick, and Dodge. These diagnostic tools provide comprehensive full-system and full-function diagnostics, supporting a range of functions, including active tests, calibration, resets, and coding. Ideal for specialized technicians and workshops, the IP500 series delivers precise diagnostics for those working with specific brands.

    XtoolOnline’s newly launched range of these eight products comes with lifetime free updates. XtoolOnline aims for these tools to be your long-term companions, ensuring the safety and optimal performance of your vehicle.

    For more information, please visit http://www.xtoolonline.com

    For Purchase, please visit http://www.xtoolglobal.com

    ABOUT XTOOLONLINE

    Established in 2011, XTOOLonline is the extension of XTOOL, offering a comprehensive range of automotive tools tailored to meet the diverse needs of our global customers. XTOOLonline specializes in delivering top-of-the-line products, we cover a wide spectrum, including cars, trucks, electric vehicle scanners, key programming tools, and code readers.

    XTOOLONLINE Make Repairs Easier-Online Series of XTOOL.

    Media Contact:
    Full company name: XTOOLONLINE
    Company website: http://www.xtoolonline.com
    Name: Jason Lin
    Email id: marketing@xtoolonline.com

    SOURCE Xtoolonline Technology Co, Ltd

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by the sponsor. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information shared in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment, financial, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended that you conduct thorough research and consult with a professional financial advisor before making any investment or trading decisions. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cc1b5c0d-b496-488a-b45f-58240c5d4b9f

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 222-2024: Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme: treatment provider suspended – Cargo Quarantine Lanka Company (AEI: LK0004MB)

    Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

    18 October 2024

    Who does this notice affect?

    Stakeholders in the import and shipping industries—including vessel masters, freight forwarders, offshore treatment providers, Biosecurity Industry Participants, importers, customs brokers, principal agents and master consolidators.

    What has changed?

    Following identification of critical non-compliance, we have suspended Cargo Quarantine Lanka Company (AEI: LK0004MB) from the…

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKMA introduces multiple measures to support SMEs’ development, upgrade and transformation

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
     
         The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), together with the banking sector, introduced multiple measures today (October 18) to further support, through financing as well as banking products and services, the continuous development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and assist them in expanding new businesses and markets.
          
         Since the launch of the nine SME support measures by the HKMA and the Banking Sector SME Lending Coordination Mechanism (Mechanism) in March this year, a total of around 20 000 SMEs have benefitted from the measures, involving an aggregate credit limit of over HK$44 billion. The HKMA has also been deepening its understanding of the challenges and needs faced by SMEs of different sectors through various channels and platforms, including the Taskforce on SME Lending (Taskforce) which was established in August this year, and engagement sessions with over 50 trade associations and their members from different industry sectors.
          
         While Hong Kong is currently undergoing economic transformation, the HKMA and the banking sector are aware of the needs of SMEs to strive for change and adapt to changes in the market and business operating environment. Taking into account the views of the commercial sector, the HKMA and the banking sector will roll out the following five measures to assist SMEs’ continuous development, upgrade and transformation, and enhance their competitiveness and productivity to cope with new operational challenges:
     
         1. Release of bank capital to facilitate the financing needs of SMEs: The HKMA lowered the countercyclical capital buffer (CCyB) ratio from 1 per cent to 0.5 per cent, and will allow banks to early adopt the preferential treatments for SME exposures under the Basel III capital framework. These policies will release bank capital and thereby enable banks to make use of the additional capital to facilitate the financing needs of SMEs. 

         2. Set aside dedicated funds to support SMEs: The 16 banks that are active in SME lending have set aside a total of over HK$370 billion of dedicated funds for SMEs in their loan portfolio. The funds will allow SME customers to access necessary financing for coping with the evolving business environment. The banks will regularly review and consider scaling up the size of their dedicated funds in response to SMEs’ needs and development. 
         â€‹
         3. Launch more credit products and services to assist SMEs’ transformation: Banks will launch more credit products and services to meet the transformation needs of SMEs. Examples include pre-approved credit limits, unsecured loans, cross-border loans, and loans with flexible repayment periods.
     

    On digital transformation, banks will offer e-commerce financing and electronic payment services to enable SMEs in different sectors such as retail, catering and trading to better utilise data and adopt innovative business solutions, so that SMEs can strengthen their marketing and promotion, streamline business processes and save operating costs. 

    On green transformation, banks will actively consider launching relevant advisory services. Through collaboration with green certification agencies, banks can alleviate the costs for SMEs to apply for green certification, thereby supporting their low-carbon transition. Banks will also provide green loans to assist SMEs in purchasing and adopting low-carbon equipment, so as to reduce the SMEs’ own carbon emissions and transform into green suppliers. 

         4. Increase the partial principal repayment options: When an orderly exit from the banking sector’s Pre-approved Principal Payment Holiday Scheme commenced in July 2023, the Mechanism introduced enhanced measures to assist corporates’ gradual return to normal repayment. Since some customers’ partial principal repayment arrangements will expire in early 2025, banks will be accommodative and consider offering more flexible repayment arrangements to help these customers to address challenges encountered during economic transformation. Such arrangements include, for instance, extending the duration of partial principal repayment, offering more options on the proportion and duration of partial principal repayment, or even offering principal moratorium, subject to prudent risk-management principles. The above-mentioned arrangements are also applicable to taxi loans, public light bus loans and commercial vehicle loans taken out by personal customers.

         5. Devote sufficient manpower and resources to implement the enhancements to SME Financing Guarantee Scheme as soon as possible: Banks will allocate adequate resources to process applications and work closely with HKMC Insurance Limited to implement as soon as possible the principal moratorium and other enhanced measures under the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme.

         The HKMA will continue to understand the SME-related business strategies of banks, and maintain close communication with the commercial sectors through the Mechanism and the Taskforce. Seminars and other activities will be organised to promote the SME services, products and schemes offered by the banking sector in the concerted efforts to assist the continuous development, upgrade and transformation of SMEs.
     
    Background
     
    The Banking Sector SME Lending Coordination Mechanism

         The Banking Sector SME Lending Coordination Mechanism was established by the HKMA in October 2019. Participants include 11 banks (Note 1) that are most active in SME lending, the Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB) and the HKMC Insurance Limited. During the pandemic, the Mechanism rolled out several rounds of relief measures for corporates, including the Pre-approved Principal Payment Holiday Scheme. In March 2024, the HKMA, together with the Mechanism, launched nine measures to assist SMEs in obtaining bank financing and to support their continuous development.
     
    The Taskforce on SME Lending

         The Taskforce on SME Lending was jointly established by the HKMA and HKAB in August 2024. Participants include representatives of the HKMA, HKAB and 16 banks (Note 2) that are active in SME lending. The Taskforce aims to further strengthen the related work for supporting SMEs in obtaining bank financing at both the individual case and the industry levels. Participating banks of the Taskforce have stated that they would ensure the ongoing effective implementation of the nine SME support measures that were launched previously, and indicated that they had not changed and would not change their risk appetite towards SME financing and related credit approval standards. The participating banks would also strive to treat customers fairly and communicate with customers in an accommodative manner.
     
    Note 1: Bank of China (Hong Kong), Bank of East Asia, China Construction Bank (Asia), Citibank, Dah Sing Bank, DBS Bank (Hong Kong), Hang Seng Bank, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia), OCBC Bank (Hong Kong), and Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong).

    Note 2: Including the 11 banks participating in the Mechanism, and Bank of Communications (Hong Kong), China CITIC International, Fusion Bank, Nanyang Commercial Bank and PAO Bank.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Hats in the air for new PSOs

    Source: South Australia Police

    Weeks of comprehensive training have paid off for 11 new Police Security Officers (PSO) who today graduated from the South Australia Police (SAPOL) Academy.

    Ranging in age from 19 to 39, 10 men and one woman have been welcomed into the blue family and share a desire to help the community.

    Course 3 graduates bring a variety of work experience to the role, including in retail, fitness, healthcare, labour, HR, customer service, and childcare.

    Former flight attendant, Marcio, was living in Dubai when his journey towards a new SAPOL career began.

    “I was working as a flight attendant for an airline up to June 2023. I met my wife, who is from Adelaide, in 2014 while doing our flight attendant training course,” he said.

    “We got married and welcomed our baby boy in 2022 and decided that it was time to retire our wings and the nonstop flight attendant lifestyle to give full attention to our growing family.

    “I feel very lucky to have travelled the whole world and met so many people of diverse cultures and backgrounds.”

    Australia is the fourth continent Marcio has lived in during the past 14 years.

    “I lived in Dublin, Ireland in 2010/11. I was back in Brazil in 2012/13, and from 2014 to 2023 I was in Dubai and now Australia for the foreseeable future,” he explained.

    “Throughout my time at SAPOL’s academy I have become more aware of things happening around me and more situationally aware now. My active listening skills have improved.

    “I am really excited to graduate and start doing the job I have been training so hard for. I will likely be posted to the Police Security Services Branch where I will work across many important government sites and on metro patrols.”

    Fellow graduate, Libby, was working as a childcare educator and playing SANFLW before joining SAPOL.

    “Learning to communicate with children and their families has helped my communication skills throughout the academy,” she said.

    “I’m excited to work in the variety of roles the Police Security Services Branch has to offer, including custody management, school patrols, and getting to communicate with the community daily.

    “Throughout my time at the academy, participating in the Operational Safety Training Exercises (OSTT) was one of the most memorable experiences.”

    Libby plans to undertake SAPOL’s Constable Development Program in the future, after seeing how far she can go in the PSO role.

    Both graduates encouraged anyone thinking about a new career to consider joining SAPOL.

    “It’s like joining a tight-knit family,” Marcio said.

    “I really get that welcoming feeling every time I bump into a PSO in the corridors of the police academy.”

    Libby similarly felt accepted and supported throughout her training.

    “Everyone in our course had their strengths and weaknesses and as a group we were able to work together to help everyone graduate, backed by our mentors,” she added.

    If you’re looking for job security, career progression pathways and a chance to make a real difference in local communities visit Achievemore – Join Us (police.sa.gov.au)

    Marcio and Libby are among 11 new Police Security Officers to graduate today from the South Australia Police Academy.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Ringing through time: Sightseeing on a Beijing ‘dangdang’ bus

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    A century ago, Beijing’s first tram service started operation with copper bells that produced clear and crisp rings to signal its arrival and caution pedestrians of its approach. This distinctive “dang” sound become familiar to local residents and eventually earned the tram service’s vehicles the affectionate name of “dangdang” buses. Today, “dangdang” buses can be seen around the capital’s tourist hot spots and still resembling these early trams.
    On Oct. 15, journalists from various media outlets hopped on a few of these old-fashion buses for a cultural heritage excursion along Beijing’s Central Axis. Starting at Qianmen Street, a popular commercial street located along the axis, the excursion was part of “High-Quality Development Research Trip” interview activities and visited 15 cultural heritage sites. From the moment they stepped onto the buses, participants were fully immersed in the capital’s profound historical heritage.

    A modern “dangdang” bus with a vintage appearance similar to the original “dangdang” buses in Beijing, China, Oct. 15, 2024. [Photo by Liao Jiaxin/China.org.cn]
    Wang Yu, a talkative tour guide on this sightseeing activity, told countless stories about the historic and cultural scenic spots along the journey’s route, included Zhengyangmen, Yongdingmen, the Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and Jingshan Park .

    The vintage-style decorations inside a modern “dangdang” bus in Beijing, China, Oct. 15, 2024. [Photo by Liao Jiaxin/China.org.cn]
    Sightseers on the bus all praised Wang’s vivid and interesting explanations. “We not only admired the beautiful scenery along the central axis but also learned a lot of interesting historical stories,” said Li Jiayue, a journalist for China News Service who participant in this interview activity.

    The view of Tiananmen Square from a “dangdang” bus during its route along the capital’s Central Axis in Beijing, China, Oct. 15, 2024. [Photo by Liao Jiaxin/China.org.cn]
    Besides conveying historical information, Wang also enthusiastically shared that the Great Beijing Central Axis sightseeing bus tour not only attracts local Beijingers who want to reminisce about the old days but also domestic and foreign tourists who come to Beijing for its reputation.
    Since its launch in August, the Great Beijing Central Axis sightseeing bus tour has seen an average of 4,000 passengers daily on their 41 “dangdang” buses, according to Yun Haibing, the director of the Beijing Tourism Distribution Center’s market management department. Yun also said that during the recent National Day holiday demand for bus tickets surged, with approximately 98,000 tourists in total going on guided bus tours.
    In addition to listening to explanations full of Beijing flavor, passengers also sampled some traditional culinary treats, such as Peking Duck, as well as got a taste of local intangible cultural heritage. Through lively allegro performances, participants enjoyed classic stories related to the Central Axis.

    A China allegro performance on a “dangdang” bus as it travels along the Central Axis in Beijing, China, Oct. 15, 2024. [Photo by Liao Jiaxin/China.org.cn]
    Considered the spine of Beijing’s urban layout, the Central Axis was added to the World Heritage List on July 27, 2024. After receiving this honor, the already well-known scenic spots along the Central Axis saw a rise in their popularity. A month later, eight sightseeing bus routes, such as the Great Beijing Central Axis sightseeing bus tour, were launched, offering more options for tourists to experience Beijing’s rich cultural heritage and boosting the city’s sightseeing bus tourism.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Tours Bayou Bend Health and Wellness Center

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    LAFAYETTE – Today, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) toured the Bayou Bend Health and Wellness Center, which has served patients in St. Mary Parish since 1953 and provides many of the same services a patient can find at hospitals in large cities.

    “As a doctor, I know that good health care is important for the individual, the family, and the community,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Families will move to a community based upon the quality of their health care. Bayou Bend is meeting those needs and then some.”
    Last July, Cassidy reintroduced the bipartisan Treat and Reduce Obesity Act, which would expand coverage of chronic weight management medications and specialists within Medicare. 
    Additionally, Cassidy has introduced legislation to support rural health care and the communities they serve. That includes the Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act to support rural ambulance services, the PEERS in Medicare Act to encourage peer counseling for senior citizens, and the CONNECT for Health Act to support telehealth through Medicare. The announcement by Cassidy and Governor Jeff Landry in August of $1.35 billion from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) for rural broadband will help provide the foundation necessary to expand telehealth throughout Louisiana.

    Bayou Bend provides numerous medical services to its patients, including respiratory therapy, radiology, pain management and rehabilitation, maternity and newborn nursery services, and surgical care. Their Wellness Center features a fitness center with an indoor walking track, group exercise studios and a place for cycling, as well as space for wellness testing and expanded therapy. Cassidy toured both the hospital and wellness center and was led by Ms. Stephanie Guidry, CEO of Bayou Bend.
    “We are so thankful that Senator Cassidy took some time out of his schedule for a tour,” said Ms. Guidry. “We had wonderful discussions about Bayou Bend’s growth and strategy to transition from treating illness to creating wellness in the communities we serve. During the tour of our Wellness Center, we share some patient success stories that illustrate our efforts to combat diseases like hypertension and diabetes through wellness initiatives. We also shared that in just our first year open, we’ve had over 100,000 check-ins to the facility, and members have recorded almost 10 million calories burned! Our team has done a tremendous job of providing a place that is ‘more than just a gym,’ and I think our community is better off because of it.”

    Later, Cassidy visited local leaders in Morgan City, including the Mayors of Morgan City and Franklin and the Executive Director of the Morgan City Harbor and Terminal District. He led a discussion on improving St. Mary Parish’s infrastructure, among other topics. Cassidy’s IIJA has delivered millions of dollars throughout the parish, including nearly $20 million to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2022 for construction, damage repairs, and levee surfacing replacements along the Atchafalaya Basin, and $10 million that October to expand the Port of Morgan City’s dock. Additionally, in a separate appropriation for Fiscal Year 2024, Cassidy secured $2.3 million to upgrade the emergency operations center at the port.

    Along with mayors and other officials, Cassidy met with Mr. Evan Boudreaux, Director of Economic Development, Policy and Government Affairs for the parish.
    “A critical factor in cultivating long-lasting economic growth in any community is having all of your partners come to the table to move the needle on addressing local challenges,” said Mr. Boudreaux. “Senator Cassidy is one of the best friends St. Mary Parish has. Without the leadership of Senator Cassidy on legislation such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, St. Mary would not have been able to access or compete for funding to address some of our greatest hindrances to creating a more vibrant community.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Lufthansa Cargo appoints Elodie Berthonneau as Vice President Asia Pacific

    Source: Lufthansa Group

    As of 1 October 2024, Elodie Berthonneau will take over the position of Vice President Asia-Pacific at Lufthansa Cargo in Singapore. She will head the sales and handling organization in one of the most important markets for Lufthansa Cargo. This includes among others the regions China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and Oceania. Berthonneau joins Lufthansa Cargo from Qatar Cargo where she was Vice President Network Planning and Strategic Partnership.

    With more than 25 years of experience in the aviation industry, Berthonneau has held various management positions in sales, pricing, profit management and strategic planning at Qatar Airways and Air France KLM. Her previous roles have included building start-ups, restructuring organizations, network redesign, major strategic partnerships and people management. Having worked in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, she also has broad international experience.

    “We are happy to welcome Elodie Berthonneau as Head of Asia Pacific. The Asian region is one of our most important markets and is expected to become even more relevant in the coming years. Combining her expertise and experience within the industry and the Lufthansa Cargo brand and knowledge, she will set new accents in our Asia Pacific organization and in the dialogue with our customers,” explains Anand Kulkarni, Head of Global Markets at Lufthansa Cargo

    About Lufthansa Cargo

    With revenue of 3.0 billion euros and a transport performance of 7.5 billion freight ton kilometers in 2023, Lufthansa Cargo is one of the world’s leading companies in the transport of airfreight. The company currently employs around 4,150 people worldwide. Lufthansa Cargo’s focus is on the airport-to-airport business. The route network covers around 300 destinations in more than 100 countries, using both freighter aircraft and cargo capacity from passenger aircraft operated by Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Discover Airlines and SunExpress, as well as trucks. The majority of the cargo business is handled via Frankfurt Airport. 

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: FACT SHEET: The U.S.-Germany  Partnership

    Source: The White House

    On the occasion of President Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s visit to Germany, the United States reaffirms its commitment to deepening the close and historic bond between the two nations as Allies and friends.  For over 75 years, Germany has been a crucial partner in ensuring the stability, security, and prosperity of the transatlantic alliance.  In October 2023, President Biden welcomed President Steinmeier to Washington during German-American Day, underscoring the enduring people-to-people ties between our two countries, including the over 40 million Americans who claim German heritage and strengthen the diverse fabric of the United States.  In February 2024, President Biden welcomed Chancellor Olaf Scholz to the White House, where the two leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s war of aggression, discussed regional stability in the Middle East, and prepared for the NATO Summit in Washington.

    During his visit to Germany, President Biden will underscore our mutual commitment to upholding democracy, combating antisemitism and hatred, and expanding collaboration to promote economic growth and technological innovation.  In addition, he will express gratitude to Germany for its role in hosting approximately 39,000 U.S. service members and its vital contributions to the security of NATO and the broader transatlantic community. 

    The United States and Germany are partners in a wide range of new and continuing initiatives to address the most pressing challenges of our time, some of which are listed below.

    # # #

    SECURITY AND DEFENSE

    • The United States and Germany cooperate through several multilateral institutions including NATO, the G7, the OSCE, and the UN, to advance security, democracy, and the rule of law globally.
    • As host to the largest U.S. troop presence in Europe and second largest globally, Germany continues to play a critical role as a platform for U.S. military force projection, including support for NATO’s eastern flank and training for Ukrainian soldiers. 
    • Germany has been a key provider of military assistance to Ukraine in its defense against the Kremlin’s aggression.  Contributions include advanced weaponry such as Leopard 2 tanks, air defense systems (such as IRIS-T), artillery, and ammunition. Germany also supplies medical aid, vehicles, and training for Ukrainian forces, continuously adapting its support to Ukraine’s evolving needs in coordination with NATO allies.
    • As announced by President Biden and Chancellor Scholz on July 10, 2024, the United States looks forward to beginning the episodic deployments of its Multi-Domain Task Force in Germany in 2026, as part of planning for enduring stationing of these conventional long-range fire capabilities in the future.
    • Germany plays a key role in the U.S-Italy co-led G7+ Coordination Group for Ukraine Energy Security Support.  Germany has been a leading provider of financial assistance and critical components such as transformers and power generators to support the repair and strengthening of Ukraine’s energy sector in response to Russia’s continued brutal attacks on civilian infrastructure.
    • Germany is a robust partner in the fight against terrorism and terrorism financing, in the Financial Action Task Force, and as part of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS (D-ISIS).  On September 30, State Secretary Tobias Lindner joined Secretary Blinken for the D-Isis Ministerial Meeting in Washington, D.C. 
    • Germany will accede to Operation Olympic Defender, a U.S.-led multinational effort intended to strengthen nations’ abilities to deter hostile acts in space, strengthen deterrence against hostile actors, and reduce the spread of debris orbiting the earth. International partners currently include the UK, Canada, and Australia.

    DEFENDING DEMOCRACY

    • As the second-largest provider of assistance to Ukraine after the United States, Germany has provided $37.2 billion (€34 billion) in bilateral assistance since February 2022.  This includes humanitarian assistance, budgetary support, military equipment and training, and funding for Ukraine’s reconstruction.  Germany hosted an international reconstruction conference for Ukraine in Berlin in June 2024 which generated over €60 billion in commitments to Ukraine and emphasized the human dimension of post-war recovery.
    • At the September 2024 United Nations General Assembly, the United States, in partnership with Germany and other international allies, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting democratic transitions as part of the Democracy Delivers Initiative, launched by USAID.  The initiative mobilized over $517 million to provide financial and technical assistance to countries undergoing democratic renewal, including Guatemala, Armenia, and Moldova, with the aim of strengthening global democratic resilience.
    • Germany has increasingly recognized the importance of supporting Taiwan as a like-minded democratic partner.  Education Minister Stark-Watzinger’s visit to Taiwan in 2023 marked the first visit by a German minister to Taiwan in 26 years.  Two German warships recently transited the Taiwan Strait, a visible demonstration of Germany’s commitment to upholding international laws and norms and increasing engagement to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
    • Germany was one of the first of twenty-one countries to endorse the U.S. government’s Framework to Counter Foreign State Information Manipulation, the U.S. Department of State’s key initiative to galvanize like-minded democracies to respond collectively to the threat posed by disinformation.  

    ECONOMICS & TRADE

    • Germany is the United States’ largest trading partner in Europe, with bilateral trade reaching over $324 billion in goods and services in 2023.  U.S. direct investment in Germany was $193.2 billion in 2023.  In total, German firms employ an estimated 923,600 people in the United States.  Germany is the fourth-largest source of foreign direct investment in the United States and the number one foreign investor in U.S. renewable energy projects.  Germany is currently the third-largest source of foreign direct investment in the United States, with investments worth more than $660 billion based on 2023 data.
    • On September 24, 2024, the United States and Germany held the third round of the U.S.-Germany Economic Dialogue, building on the framework established in the 2021 Washington Declaration.  The talks focused on strengthening collaboration to increase economic security, including cooperation in sectors such as digital technologies and clean energy supply chains.  Both countries committed to enhancing supply chain resilience and advancing sustainability goals.
    • Germany and the United States partner on several initiatives to advance women’s economic security around the world, including bolstering women’s participation in climate sectors through the Women in the Sustainable Economy Initiative, closing the gender digital divide through the Women in the Digital Economy Initiative, and supporting women to join the workforce by investing in efforts to close the global childcare gap through the Invest in Childcare Initiative.

    COMBATTING ANTISEMITISM:

    •  Germany is a global leader and vital partner in the fight against antisemitism and extremism.  Senior officials are unequivocal in condemning antisemitism and federal and state governments have robust strategies for tackling the problem.  In July 2024, Germany co-launched the Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism in Buenos Aires, an initiative led by U.S. Special Envoy Deborah Lipstadt.
    • Launched in 2021, The U.S.-Germany Dialogue on Holocaust Issues, plays an essential role in combatting Holocaust distortion online and promoting accurate Holocaust education and commemoration.
    • Germany and the United States cooperate on improving resolution to Nazi-confiscated art to ensure just and fair solutions for survivors and heirs, and salute Germany’s new art restitution policy.

    EDUCATIONAL EXCHANGES

    • The German-American Fulbright program is one of the largest and most varied of the Fulbright Programs worldwide, sponsoring over 40,000 Germans and Americans since its inception in 1952.
    • Established in 2016 as a public-private partnership, each year the USA For You program brings youth from underserved German communities to the United States for a two-week homestay and community service experience.  The program promotes civic engagement and helps counter extremism and xenophobia by fostering cultural understanding.  In 2023, the German government launched a reciprocal Germany for You program, allowing American high school students to visit Germany for a similar exchange, further strengthening transatlantic ties.
    • The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX), jointly funded by the United States and German governments, supports the transatlantic relationship by fostering year-long academic, homestay, and community service opportunities for 700 American and German youth annually.  Since 1983, CBYX has promoted cross-cultural understanding, professional skills, and mutual awareness of each nation’s history, politics, and society.  With around 15,000 German and 14,000 American participants to date, the program strengthens ties and deepens the transatlantic partnership between the next generation of leaders.
    • The German Bundestag-Bundesrat exchange (CBBSX) program is an annual two-way exchange between German Bundestag and Bundesrat staff and U.S. Congressional staff members.  It was initiated during the 1983 German-American Tricentennial celebration and first implemented in 1984.  Participants focus on the U.S. legislative process and U.S.-German relations; examining U.S. Congress and the U.S. political system.  In 2024 the IVLP brought 10 German Bundestag and Bundesrat staff members to the United States.  For the first time, CBBSX participants also engaged with state and local government.

    SCIENCE, ENVIRONMENT, SPACE, & TECHNOLOGY

    • On January 10, 2024, the United States and Germany held a U.S.-Germany Critical and Emerging Technology Track 1.5 Dialogue to share strategic objectives, outlooks, and lessons learned in technological innovation. The two countries agreed to convene the first of an ongoing AI Dialogue to discuss approaches to AI governance, infrastructure and innovation, and applications of AI for good. They intend to hold the first session of this dialogue in early 2025.
    • Furthering their commitment to monitoring the effects of climate change, the United States and Germany have partnered on space collaboration through NASA’s Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On (GRACE-FO) mission, which monitors Earth’s water movement by tracking shifts in gravity.  This mission provides critical data for managing water resources, monitoring sea levels, and understanding climate change impacts on a global scale.
    • The U.S.-Germany scientific partnership was further strengthened throughfunding from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) for Collaborative Research in Computational Neuroscience (CRCNS) program, which advances cutting-edge research in brain function and computational neuroscience.  This initiative supports interdisciplinary approaches to understanding neural systems.
    • On September 14, 2023, the United States and Germany held the inaugural U.S.-Germany Space Dialogue, advancing collaboration in space exploration, satellite technology, and space security.  This dialogue promotes joint efforts in planetary science, climate monitoring, and managing space debris, while advancing international norms for responsible space operations.

    CLIMATE & ENERGY

    • In July 2021, the United States and Germany launched the U.S.-Germany Climate and Energy Partnership to deepen collaboration on the policies and sustainable technologies needed to accelerate the global net-zero future.  Notable outcomes of the Partnership include the first U.S.-Germany Climate and Energy Summit held in Pittsburgh September 2022, and the U.S.-German Clean Hydrogen Conference held in Berlin October 2023.
    • Beyond our strong bilateral partnership, the United States and Germany are also intensifying our cooperation to accelerate the clean energy transition and promote clean economic growth in emerging and developing economies.  This includes leveraging and scaling-up our collective technical, policy, and financial support to catalyze investments in clean energy manufacturing and industrial decarbonization in developing countries, leveraging key international platforms such as the Climate Club and Clean Technology Fund.

    GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT

    • The United States participated in the International Humanitarian Conference on Sudan, hosted by France, Germany, and the European Commission on April 15, 2024, to address the vital need for greater humanitarian assistance for the Sudanese people.
    • The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Germany’s Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) are strengthening their partnership through a Strategic Development Dialogue.  This initiative focuses on joint efforts to tackle global challenges in climate change, food security, gender equality, health, and G7 development priorities.
    • The United States and Germany have worked closely across multiple presidencies of the G7 Food Security Working Group to support efforts to achieve long-term food and nutrition security.  As most recently affirmed in the Apulia G7 Leaders’ Communiqué, both countries have committed to promoting and supporting multi-stakeholder programs to build climate resilience in our food systems.  These programs include the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils, launched by the United States in partnership with the African Union and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Sex dolls and ‘Diddy’ costumes: the latest AFL drama shows Australian sport still can’t eradicate misogyny

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephanie Wescott, Lecturer in Humanities and Social Sciences, Monash University

    Disturbing details emerged this week about AFL men’s football team GWS’ end-of-year event, themed “controversial couples”.

    The AFL handed down a range of sanctions to the players involved, including fines and suspensions.

    While those defending the players have suggested their actions were lighthearted and in the spirit of the season-end celebration, research has established a connection between rape jokes and sexual assault.

    The AFL has a tarnished history when it comes to players perpetrating violence against women.

    Despite pledging support for ending gender-based violence in Australia, this incident proves problematic cultural problems persist within AFL clubs.

    What happened?

    Following an anonymous tip-off to GWS management, it was revealed a number of players engaged in sexist, racist and degrading acts during an end-of-season event.

    Player Josh Fahey dressed up as former NRL player Jarryd Hayne and “simulated inappropriate acts on a sex doll.”

    Hayne was sentenced to four years and nine months prison for raping a woman on the night of the 2018 NRL grand final but was released earlier this year after his convictions were overturned.

    Players Connor Idun and Lachie Whitfield performed a skit involving slavery, while another pair simulated the September 11 terrorist attack on the Twin Towers.

    It has also been reported a sketch involving Sean “Diddy” Combs — an American rapper currently jailed on charges of racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation — was performed.

    Scholars and activists are working tirelessly to change public perceptions around violence against women. Jokes and skits themed around violence and sexual assault are harmful because they trivialise the immense harm gendered violence causes women and children.

    The AFL’s woman problem

    There are many historic examples of AFL players and athletes of other codes acting violently and disrespectfully towards women.

    Numerous current and former players, who have faced criminal charges for assaults and sexual violence towards women, have been allowed to continue playing or retain their status as celebrated players.

    Current AFL player Jordan De Goey has faced sexual assault allegations, and was briefly stood down by his club in 2021 after being charged with assault in the United States.

    He pleaded guilty to harassment and in 2022, Collingwood extended De Goey’s contract for five years.

    Recently, one of the AFL’s greatest former players, Wayne Carey, was set to be inducted as a legend in the New South Wales Football Hall of Fame, despite having a number of charges for assaulting women. However, the AFL did eventually block the move after public outcry.

    The AFL, and parts of the media, often distinguish players’ violence against women from their achievements on the field. This allows men to continue playing or repair their public image.

    It also sends a message that misogyny and violence against women are tolerated as long as the perpetrator’s talent provides value to the sport.

    The impact of athletes

    In the case of the GWS players, the AFL’s sanctions indicate the code’s willingness to take a stance on breaches of conduct.

    However, that the players believed their costumes and skits were acceptable in the first place indicates deep-seated issues in attitudes towards women.

    In each of the costume examples, sexual and racial violence formed key elements of the “joke”, indicating the AFL’s education and training on equity and diversity is not working.

    The general public tends to have high expectations of athletes’ behaviour due to their position as role models.

    It is often suggested that boys and young men require positive role models and that AFL players fit the bill, although research is not clear on whether the gender of supportive adults is relevant.

    At the moment, there is significant concern within the community about the influence of dangerous misogynist influencers on boys’ attitudes and behaviour towards women.

    Research suggests that while some young men have the skills to be critical about the messages they receive about violence and sexism, they still experience pressure to live up to restrictive rules on what it means to be a “real man.”

    Many Australians highly value AFL players’ skills and abilities on the field. This admiration and respect can also extend to their off-field lives.

    But it doesn’t mean AFL players are beyond reproach.

    More needs to be done

    The impacts of men’s violence on their victims are horrific and myriad.

    This year, the AFL partnered with Our Watch – a national leader in the primary prevention of violence against women and their children – to provide training to players and clubs and help them understand:

    • the link between gender inequality and violence against women
    • the role of sport in promoting gender equality
    • and what players can do to be active allies including taking action when they see or hear disrespect.

    While this is promising, this education must result in changed behaviour, attitudes and accountability.

    The Australian government has recently labelled violence against women a “national emergency”. Major sporting codes need to take a leading role in addressing it.

    It’s time for the AFL to honestly confront their problems with misogyny and violence against women.

    Stephanie Wescott receives funding from Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS)

    – ref. Sex dolls and ‘Diddy’ costumes: the latest AFL drama shows Australian sport still can’t eradicate misogyny – https://theconversation.com/sex-dolls-and-diddy-costumes-the-latest-afl-drama-shows-australian-sport-still-cant-eradicate-misogyny-241562

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Visits Foster Adopt Connect Kansas City

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Kansas City, KS – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. recently toured Foster Adopt Connect, a nonprofit organization that has provided crucial support and resources to foster and adoptive families across the Kansas City region for over two decades. 
    The organization’s mission is to ensure that children and youth who have experienced abuse, neglect, and abandonment can thrive by supporting their foster or adoptive families. Foster Adopt Connect offers services such as training, advocacy, and direct care to make sure children find stability and permanence in loving homes. By offering innovative programs and essential support, Foster Help Connect helps families in Kansas City navigate the challenges of fostering and adoption and ensures every child has a safe, nurturing environment. 
    “Every child deserves a stable, loving home,” Senator Marshall said. “I am proud of Foster Adopt Connect for the care they provide foster children across Kansas City, and for the support they provide foster parents to ensure every family has the resources they need to thrive.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Could a recent ruling change the game for scam victims? Here’s why the banks will be watching closely

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jeannie Marie Paterson, Professor of Law, The University of Melbourne

    Meteoritka/Shutterstock

    In Australia, it’s scam victims who foot the bill for the overwhelming majority of the money lost to scams each year.

    A 2023 review by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) found banks detected and stopped only a small proportion of scams. The total amount banks paid in compensation paled in comparison to total losses.

    So, it was a strong statement this week when it was revealed the Australian Financial Conduct Authority (AFCA) had ordered a bank – HSBC – to compensate a customer who lost more than $47,000 through a sophisticated bank impersonation or “spoofing” scam.

    This decision was significant. An AFCA determination is binding on the relevant bank or other financial institution, which has no direct right of appeal. It could have implications for the way similar cases are treated in future.

    The ruling comes amid a broader push for sector-wide reforms to give banks more responsibility for detecting, deterring and responding to scams, as opposed to simply telling customers to be “more careful”.

    Here’s what you should know about this landmark ruling, and what it might mean for consumers.



    Read more:
    Australia’s new scam prevention draft is welcome – but it needs to be broader in scope

    A highly sophisticated ‘spoofing’ scam

    You might be familiar with “push payment” scams that trick the victim into paying money to a dummy account. These include the “mum I’ve lost my phone” scam and some romance scams.

    The recent case concerned an equally noxious “bank impersonation” or “spoofing” scam. The complainant – referred to as “Mr T” – was tricked into giving the scammer access to his HSBC account, from which an unauthorised payment was made.

    The victim was duped into providing passcodes to access his online banking account.
    tsingha25/Shutterstock

    The scammer sent Mr T a text message, purportedly asking him to investigate an attempted Amazon transaction.

    In an effort to respond to the (fake) unauthorised Amazon purchase, Mr T revealed security passcodes to the scammer, enabling them to transfer $47,178.54 from his account and disappear with it.

    The fact Mr T was dealing with scammers was far from obvious – scammers had information about him one might reasonably expect only a bank would know, such as his bank username.

    On top of this, the scam text message appeared in a thread of other legitimate text messages that had previously been sent by the real HSBC.

    AFCA’s ruling

    HSBC argued to AFCA that having to pay compensation should be ruled out under the ePayments Code, a voluntary code of practice administered by ASIC.

    Under this code, a bank is not required to compensate a customer for an unauthorised payment if that customer has disclosed their passcode. The bank argued the complainant had voluntarily disclosed these codes to the scammer, meaning the bank didn’t need to pay.

    AFCA disagreed. It noted the very way the scam had worked was by creating a sense of urgency and crisis. AFCA considered that the complainant had been manipulated into disclosing the passcodes and had not acted voluntarily.

    AFCA awarded compensation covering the vast majority of the disputed transaction amount, lost interest charged to a home loan account, and $5,000 towards Mr T’s legal costs.

    It also ordered the bank to pay compensation of $1,000 for poor customer service in dealing with the matter, including communication delays.

    Other cases may be more complex

    In this case, the determination was relatively straightforward. It found Mr T had not voluntarily disclosed his account information, so was not excluded from being compensated under the ePayments Code.

    However, many payment scams fall outside the ePayments Code because they involve the customer directly sending money to the scammer (as opposed to the scammer accessing the customer’s account). That means there is no code to direct compensation.

    Still, AFCA’s jurisdiction is broader than merely applying a code. In considering compensation for scam losses, AFCA must consider what is “fair in all the circumstances”. This means taking into account:

    • legal principles
    • applicable industry codes
    • good industry practice
    • previous AFCA decisions.

    Relevant factors might well include whether the bank was proactive in responding to known scams, as well as the challenges for individual customers in identifying scams.

    Broader reforms are on the way

    At the heart of this determination by AFCA is a recognition that, increasingly, detecting sophisticated scams can be next to impossible for customers, which can mean they don’t act voluntarily in making payments to scammers.

    Similar reasoning has informed a range of recent reform initiatives that put more responsibility for detecting and responding to scams on the banks, rather than their customers.

    In 2023, Australia’s banking sector committed to a new “Scam-Safe Accord”. This is a commitment to implement new measures to protect customers, including a confirmation of payee service, delays for new payments, and biometric identity checks for new accounts.

    Tech platforms – including social media giants – would have to take more proactive steps against scams under proposed new legislation.
    Primakov/Shutterstock

    Changes on the horizon could be more ambitious and significant.

    The proposed Scams Prevention Framework legislation would require Australian banks, telcos and digital platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent, detect, report, disrupt and respond to scams.

    It would also include a compulsory external dispute resolution process, like AFCA’s, for consumers seeking compensation for when any of these institutions fail to comply.

    Addressing scams is not just an Australian issue. In the United Kingdom, newly introduced rules make paying and receiving banks responsible for compensating customers, for scam losses up to £85,000 (A$165,136), unless the customer is grossly negligent.

    Jeannie Marie Paterson has previously received funding from the Australian Research Council and conducted research for ASIC and AFCA. She is currently working on a project on AFCA determinations with Dr Nicola Howell and Evgenia Bourova. The scams research has been assisted by Andrew Lim.

    Nicola Howell has previously conducted funded research for ASIC and is currently working on a project on AFCA determinations with Professor Jeannie Paterson and Evgenia Bourova. Nicola is affiliated with the Consumers’ Federation of Australia, as a member of the CFA Executive.

    – ref. Could a recent ruling change the game for scam victims? Here’s why the banks will be watching closely – https://theconversation.com/could-a-recent-ruling-change-the-game-for-scam-victims-heres-why-the-banks-will-be-watching-closely-241558

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mayo — Mayo RCMP investigating a home invasion and a sexualized assault

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Content warning: The following news release contains information about a sexualized assault which may be distressing.

    On October 15 at 11:04 pm Mayo Detachment responded to a report of a sexualized assault and related motor vehicle collision in Mayo, Yukon. The female driver advised she had purposely struck a light pole in order to escape from a male perpetrator who had committed a sexualized assault.

    Through investigation since that time, police have learned that earlier in the evening of October 15, a male knocked on the door of the female’s residence and then pushed his way inside where he committed a sexualized assault. He demanded the female drive him to Whitehorse. The female drove purposefully into a light pole, the male continued to assault the female and forcibly prevented her from getting out of the vehicle. The female was able to exit the vehicle and yelled for assistance, while the perpetrator fled. The perpetrator is not known to the victim.

    Police in the territory conducted extensive patrols for the perpetrator and did not locate him. The Yukon RCMP Specialized Response Unit are leading this investigation, with assistance of other RCMP units, and are actively working on identifying and apprehending the male.

    Police are unable to provide additional details at this time but will do so as they become available. We encourage the public to stay alert and invite anyone with information regarding this crime or other crimes to come forward. Police encourage the public to report any unusual or suspicious activity to the police, even if at the time, it did not seem suspicious.

    Yukon RCMP continue to investigate this matter and urge anyone who may have information about this crime to report it to the Mayo RCMP at (867) 996-5555. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

    SART: The Yukon’s Sexualized Assault Response Team (SART) provides a safe and confidential network of services focused on the needs and choices of individuals. SART is available to people of all genders, ages, and sexual orientations who have experienced sexualized assault.

    Website: https://yukon.ca/en/sartyukon/home

    Phone: 1-844-967-7275 (available 24/7)

    Victim Services: Victim Services provides services and help for victims of sexualized violence and all other crimes, regardless of whether or not the victim has reported the crime, a charge has been laid, or there has been a conviction.

    Website: https://yukon.ca/en/legal-and-social-supports/supports-victims-crime/find-out-about-victim-services

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Tender for third operation and management contract of Light Public Housing invited

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Tender for third operation and management contract of Light Public Housing invited
    Tender for third operation and management contract of Light Public Housing invited
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         ​The Housing Bureau (HB) today (October 18) invites tenders for the third operation and management contract of Light Public Housing (LPH), and encourages capable and experienced organisations to participate actively.           The project is located at Tsing Fuk Lane, Tuen Mun (i.e. Tuen Mun Area 3A), providing about 1 900 units, with intake tentatively scheduled in the fourth quarter of next year. Same as the previous two contracts, the scope of operation and management services mainly cover occupant management, property management, daily maintenance, as well as the provision of social services, and the management and operation of ancillary facilities, etc. To encourage participation of different stakeholders in the community, the HB welcomes tenders from all capable and experienced service providers, including non-government organisations and those with a valid property management company licence, or a collaboration between them.           To ensure service quality, the HB will carry out a technical assessment based on a series of factors, including management capability, relevant experience and past service performance of the organisations, as well as the proposed modes of operation and management, social service support to be provided, feasibility of an exit plan and use of innovation and information technology as stated in their proposals, etc such that the facilities and services of LPH can meet the needs of the residents and the local community. The tender price will then be evaluated to form a consolidated assessment to decide on the most suitable organisation for operating LPH.           A spokesman for the HB said, “LPH could fill the short-term gap of public housing supply, and improve the living conditions and quality of life of people living in inadequate housing as soon as practicable. Construction of a number of projects has already commenced. The first LPH project located at Yau Pok Road, Yuen Long, which provides about 2 100 units, will be completed with tenant intake in the first quarter of next year. Its operation and management contract has been awarded to the Pioneer Management Limited – Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Joint Venture. The second operation and management contract of LPH, which covers the two LPH projects at Choi Hing Road and Choi Shek Lane, Ngau Tau Kok (i.e. the former St Joseph’s Anglo-Chinese School), which provide about 2 290 and 148 units respectively, is expected to be awarded soon. Their tenant intake is anticipated in the second quarter of next year and the first quarter of 2026 respectively. We hope that experienced and aspirational organisations can continue to actively participate in the tender exercise and join hands with us in this large-scale social project.”           Interested organisations may download the tender documents via the relevant tender notice on the HB’s website (www.hb.gov.hk) or from the e-Tendering System; or contact the Dedicated Team on Light Public Housing under the HB for obtaining the tender documents. The Tender Reference is HB2024/OPR-LPH-TFL.           Tenderers must submit the tenders by noon on December 6, 2024 (Friday), either electronically via the e-Tendering System or by deposit in the Government Secretariat Tender Box situated at Lobby of the Public Entrance on Ground Floor, East Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar. Late tenders will not be accepted.

     
    Ends/Friday, October 18, 2024Issued at HKT 12:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “Environment Matters, Your Action Matters More” promoting environmental protection and sustainable development to launch on RTHK TV 31

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    “Environment Matters, Your Action Matters More” promoting environmental protection and sustainable development to launch on RTHK TV 31
    “Environment Matters, Your Action Matters More” promoting environmental protection and sustainable development to launch on RTHK TV 31
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         “Environment Matters, Your Action Matters More”, a television programme produced by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) and Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), will premiere on RTHK TV 31 on October 23. The programme will bring audiences to explore the new face of a green future by understanding more about environmental expertise in different areas and global trends in environmental protection.           In line with the Youth Development Blueprint, the programme covers a range of environmental protection topics, including global environmental issues and sustainable development, environmental impact assessments and planning, climate change, air quality, waste management, water quality and noise control. It introduces various environmental protection facilities and technologies in a light-hearted and humorous manner, aiming to raise awareness among youth about environmental protection and to encourage them to explore potential career paths in this field.           Consisting of 15 episodes, each lasting five minutes, the programme features two characters, an eco-friendly supporter and a young girl aspiring to pursue a career in environmental protection technology. Using everyday scenarios as an introduction, the episodes include interviews with various experts from the Environment and Ecology Bureau, the EPD, academia, and the environmental sector, showcasing how innovative technology can address environmental issues.           “Environment Matters, Your Action Matters More” will air from October 23 this year to January 29 next year, every Wednesday at 8.25pm on RTHK TV 31 for 15 consecutive weeks (see Annex for themes of each episode).

     
    Ends/Friday, October 18, 2024Issued at HKT 12:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: MEDIA RELEASE: Bill Focusing On Palliative Care Welcomed

    Source: Family First

    MEDIA RELEASE – Family First NZ is welcoming the Private Members Bill from NZ First MP Tanya Unkovich – ‘Improving Access to Palliative Care Bill’ – which seeks to guarantee that every New Zealander has the right to receive high-quality and compassionate palliative care whenever it is needed.

    Demand for this specialist medical care will only increase significantly in the near future. Our population is ageing, and therefore the number of people requiring palliative care is forecast to increase by approximately 25% over the next 15 years and will be more than double that by 2061.

    Previous Governments have made little effort to address this growing problem and to increase funding for this essential service. Some hospitals have no specialist palliative care services at all.

    The NZ Herald recently reported: “A specialist paediatric palliative care (PPC) doctor says New Zealand is falling behind other nations in its care of terminally ill children and the Government must step up to help.”

    The latest review of the End of Life Choice Act also highlighted that one in four applicants weren’t receiving palliative care at the time of their application for euthanasia, which may have influenced their decision.

    The priority must be to improve the provision of high-quality palliative care and practical support. This should be available in all areas of New Zealand. The highest quality of pain control and palliative medicine should be given priority in medical training so that every New Zealander can benefit. This bill will help achieve that.

    Patients facing death have a fundamental human right – a right to receive the very best palliative care, love and support that we can give. This is real death with dignity.

    Family First is calling on all political parties to unite and ‘fast-track’ this bill, for the benefit of all New Zealanders with a terminal illness.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Consumer preference for clean label products spurs innovation in APAC, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Consumer preference for clean label products spurs innovation in APAC, says GlobalData

    Posted in Consumer

    The rising demand for clean label products is spurring advancements and innovations in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, as companies recognize the need to adapt to changing consumer preferences. This demand is not just limited to food and beverages; it extends to personal care and household products as well. A survey corroborates this trend, where 49% of respondents in Asia & Australasia stated that their product purchasing decisions for household cleaning products are either always or often influenced by how ethical/environmentally friendly/socially responsible the product/service is*, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Mani Bhushan Shukla, Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Clean label products often use simple, natural ingredients, are free from additives and artificial chemicals, and also commonly feature sustainable and ethical credentials. The expected characteristics of clean label products can vary between industries. Healthy attributes such as “low-sugar” and “low-fat” are prioritized more in food and beverages, while “natural” and “free-from” attributes are prioritized more in personal care. Clean label household care products tend to include natural ingredients instead of synthetic ingredients or “harsh” chemicals, as well as exhibiting sustainability credentials like recyclable packaging.”

    Deepak Nautiyal, Consumer and Retail Commercial Director, Asia-Pacific and Middle East, GlobalData, adds: “Manufacturers are exploring innovative sourcing methods, sustainable packaging solutions, and alternative ingredients that align with the clean label ethos. As brands strive to meet consumer expectations, they are also exploring new marketing strategies that highlight their commitment to transparency and sustainability, ultimately leading to a broader range of clean label options for consumers.

    “Aligning with this trend, Unilever introduced the Sunlight BioCare Nature dishwashing liquid in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand, featuring RhamnoClean Technology for superior grease removal. This product is integrated into the company’s Clean Future sustainability initiative, which employs circular economy principles in both its formulation and packaging to minimize CO2 emissions and plastic waste.”

    Shukla notes: “Heightened health and wellbeing concerns are seeing consumers seek ways to safeguard health and wellness and boost immunity, while increased awareness of sustainability issues amid a rising frequency of extreme weather events has resulted in proactive efforts to reduce carbon footprints. Many consumers are switching to clean label products that feature simple and natural ingredient lists to address such concerns, as well as eco-friendly or ethically sound products. For instance, Garnier, part of the L’Oréal’s family, renewed its commitment to providing sustainable products for consumers in Asia. By utilizing green science, the brand seeks to reduce the environmental footprint of its products, aligning with the increasing consumer interest in eco-friendly beauty solutions.”

    Nautiyal continues: “The integration of sustainable packaging and a clean label will significantly influence consumer purchasing decisions and foster brand loyalty, as evidenced in a GlobalData consumer survey, wherein 78% of APAC consumers consider it essential/nice to have recyclable packaging*. This dual approach not only attracts eco-conscious consumers but also fosters a deeper emotional connection with the brand, leading to increased customer retention and loyalty.”

    Shukla concludes: “As environmental concerns rise in Asia, companies emphasizing eco-friendly ingredients and sustainable supply chains will find new growth opportunities. The demand for safe, environmentally beneficial products will drive innovation in the clean label market. By investing in innovative sourcing and transparent supply chains, these companies can enhance their clean label offerings, attract eco-conscious consumers, and build brand loyalty for long-term success.”

    *GlobalData Q2 2024 Consumer Survey­ – Asia & Australasia, published in July 2024, with 6,506 respondents

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Marine Safety (Alcohol and Drugs) Ordinance to take effect on January 1 next year

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Marine Safety (Alcohol and Drugs) Ordinance to take effect on January 1 next year
    Marine Safety (Alcohol and Drugs) Ordinance to take effect on January 1 next year
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         The Government today (October 18) gazetted the Marine Safety (Alcohol and Drugs) Ordinance (Commencement) Notice to appoint January 1, 2025, as the day on which the Marine Safety (Alcohol and Drugs) Ordinance shall come into effect.     The Marine Safety (Alcohol and Drugs) (Approved Instrument Types and Specified Tests) Notice and the Marine Safety (Alcohol and Drugs) (Notice to Appear before Magistrate) Notice were also made to designate the types of instruments for the testing of drink and drug boating, specify the preliminary tests to be carried out to assess whether a person’s ability to properly operate a vessel or perform a designated duty on board a vessel is impaired by the consumption or use of drugs; and prescribe the form for a notice requiring a suspect to appear before a magistrate in respect of offences under the Ordinance.       The abovementioned notices will be tabled at the Legislative Council on October 23 for negative vetting.     The Ordinance was enacted by the Legislative Council earlier on to regulate drink and drug boating in Hong Kong waters, so as to enhance marine safety and protect the safety of persons on board a vessel.

     
    Ends/Friday, October 18, 2024Issued at HKT 12:45

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –