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  • MIL-Evening Report: Cheap grog, new drunkenness offence and mandatory rehab: why 9 experts think proposed NT alcohol reforms would be a disaster

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cassandra Wright, Alcohol and other Drugs Program Lead, Menzies School of Health Research

    logoboom/Shutterstock

    The new Northern Territory government is planning a swathe of changes to alcohol policy.

    If implemented, these changes fly in the face of what evidence shows works to reduce alcohol-related harms. Some are also out of step with the rest of Australia.

    Among our concerns are plans that would lead to harmful alcohol products becoming cheaper, alcohol becoming more easily available, criminalising public drunkenness, and a particularly worrying type of mandatory alcohol treatment – all of which evidence suggests will cause more harms.

    No one is downplaying the magnitude and complexities of alcohol-related issues in the NT. But we hope the territory government will pay more heed to the evidence and voices of those most impacted.

    Alcohol-related harm in the NT is complex

    Alcohol-related harms in the NT are significantly higher (for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people) than elsewhere in Australia.

    In the territory, these harms contribute to health and social outcomes costing at least A$1.4 billion a year. Alcohol harms result in costs related to health care, deaths, crime, policing and child protection.

    Aboriginal communities in the NT have for decades cried out for solutions and services that effectively respond to alcohol-related harm. Instead, they found their lives made part of a political football match on law and order. Policies have been reactive and mostly ineffective. They’ve been overturned at each election.

    Now, the new NT government is discussing changes that promise to exacerbate the very issues it aims to address.

    1. Cheap alcohol that contributes most harm would be on the market

    The World Health Organization recognises that raising the price of alcohol is one of the most effective ways for governments to reduce alcohol-related harm.

    So some governments around the world, including in the NT, have set a price below which alcohol cannot be sold, known as the minimum or “floor price”. This targets cheap, high-strength alcohol associated with patterns of drinking that cause the most harm.

    The new NT government plans to repeal this, despite evidence showing this works to reduce harms.

    Since the NT alcohol floor price was set at $1.30 per standard drink in 2018, there has been a:

    • 14% reduction in alcohol-related assaults in Darwin and Palmerston

    • 11% reduction in domestic and family violence assaults

    • 21% reduction in domestic and family violence assaults involving alcohol

    • 19% reduction in alcohol-related emergency department attendances.

    Originally, experts recommended a $1.50 floor price but this was reduced to $1.30 after a backlash from alcohol industry lobbyists. Had the policy not been watered down, evidence suggests the impacts above would likely have been greater.

    The floor price has likely also lost some of its initial impact as it has never been indexed for inflation.

    The best available research shows the floor price has reduced alcohol-related harms with no evidence of unintended consequences or negative impacts on the alcohol industry, despite claims otherwise.

    Researchers and experts from around the world have been writing to NT ministers urging them to reconsider repealing this effective policy.

    This includes researchers from the United Kingdom and Canada, who have coauthored this article. In these countries, evidence on the effectiveness of minimum pricing has been used to increase the floor price by 30%, not abolish it.

    2. Bottle shops could be open longer

    There are also proposals to repeal current restrictions on bottle shop trading hours. Such restrictions are highly effective in reducing alcohol harms, including violence.

    Our paper from earlier this year found that in the town of Tennant Creek, restrictions to reduce trading hours and introduce purchase limits at bottle shops resulted in a 92% reduction in alcohol-involved domestic and family violence assaults.

    Preliminary analyses of the reduced trading hours introduced in Alice Springs following Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit in early 2023 also suggest a clear reduction on violence rates.

    Bottle shops would be open for longer, making alcohol more easily available.
    AustralianCamera/Shutterstock

    3. New public drunkenness offence

    Ministers were also set to pass laws to create a new offence for “nuisance” public intoxication (also known as public drunkenness). This would allow police officers to arrest people and fine them up to $925, in addition to current powers to seize and tip out alcohol from people drinking in prohibited areas.

    This is at the time when nearly every other jurisdiction in Australia is in the process of decriminalising public drunkenness, making the NT out of step with the rest of the nation.

    The NT’s proposed new laws on public drunkenness would criminalise more people who are already locked out from our society, placing them at risk of the negative, intergenerational and preventable impacts that often arise from contact with the justice system.

    4. Mandatory rehab

    Mandatory alcohol treatment was also an election commitment.

    In its previous term of government, mandatory alcohol treatment was focused on people with a public intoxication offence rather than providing quality care to people with alcohol dependence in life-saving circumstances. If the same model is reintroduced, this is potentially harmful and at best ineffective.

    In the NT, this model of mandatory alcohol treatment had no better outcomes than for those who may not have received any treatment at all. But it cost the taxpayer three times as much.

    Where to from here?

    Researchers, health professionals and partner organisations have urged the NT government to reconsider these decisions, as we have well-founded concerns these may worsen the very issues the government aims to address.

    There’s no need to guess the outcomes of changing, repealing or introducing alcohol policies. We can draw on robust evidence, including extensive research from the NT, on what works in our communities.

    Cassandra Wright receives funding from the Australian Research Council, National Health and Medical Research Council, Music NT, NT Motor Accident Compensation Commission and Commonwealth government Department of Health.

    Beau Jayde Cubillo receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council and Fisheries Research Development Corporation on behalf of the Australian Commonwealth.

    John Holmes receives funding from the UK National Institute for Health and Care Research and has previously received funding from UK Research & Innovation, the Wellcome Trust, Alcohol Change UK and other similar public health charities and government bodies. He has received funding from NHS Health Scotland (now part of Public Health Scotland) to evaluate the impact of minimum unit pricing in Scotland. He has also received funding from UK and international governments to model the potential impact of minimum unit pricing in various jurisdictions.

    Mark Mayo receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council, Ian Potter Foundation, Ramaciotti Foundation.

    Mark Robinson currently receives, or has previously received, funding from Health and Wellbeing Queensland, Queensland Health, National Health and Medical Research Council, and Australian government Department of Health and Aged Care. He was a member of the Consumption and Health Harms Evaluation Advisory Group for the evaluation of minimum unit pricing led by Public Health Scotland.

    Michael Livingston receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the National Health and Medical Research Council, HealthWay, VicHealth and the Commonwealth Department of Health. He is on the board of the Alcohol and Drug Foundation.

    Nicholas Taylor receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the Cancer Council, VicHealth, the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council, the Northern Territory government, and the Queensland government Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability.

    Sarah Clifford receives funding from National Health and Medical Research Council, Music NT, and NT Motor Accident Compensation Commission.

    Tim Stockwell receives funding from the Canadian Cancer Society, the the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research and the Canadian Institutes for Health Research. He has accepted travel expenses from IOGT-Sweden, the Swedish temperance society. He has been an expert witness in court cases in Canada relating to contested liquor licence applications and damages for the victims of alcohol-related violence and road crashes. He has received research funds, travel expenses and minor personal fees for conducting public health related research for government-owned alcohol retail monopolies in Finland, Sweden and Canada.

    – ref. Cheap grog, new drunkenness offence and mandatory rehab: why 9 experts think proposed NT alcohol reforms would be a disaster – https://theconversation.com/cheap-grog-new-drunkenness-offence-and-mandatory-rehab-why-9-experts-think-proposed-nt-alcohol-reforms-would-be-a-disaster-241373

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why are some Australian students having to pay to do PE at public schools?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jessica Amy Sears, Lecturer, School of Education, Charles Sturt University

    mattimix/Shutterstock

    Health and physical education is one of the key subjects students learn at school. In Australia it is mandatory for students from the first year of school to Year 10.

    It involves theory and practical components to help students manage their health and wellbeing. This includes healthy eating habits, sexual health, cyber safety and mental health. It also incorporates fundamental movement skills (such as throwing and catching), sports (such as swimming, gymnastics and football) and team-building.

    Because it is a core, compulsory part of the curriculum it is supposed to be free for students at government schools. But our research shows some students are being asked to pay – and those who cannot are missing out.

    Our research

    In our recent study, we looked at the staffing and delivery of health and physical education in New South Wales government schools.

    We surveyed 556 schools, which make up about 30% of public schools in the state. This included primary and high schools with a mix of locations and levels of advantage.

    We used an online survey, which was completed by the teacher in charge of health and physical education.

    Many schools are outsourcing lessons

    We asked survey respondents who was teaching health and physical education to students at their schools. Some schools were using more than one option.

    • For all schools: 67% were using external provider, 44.5% were using a specialist teacher and 55.4% were using another teacher.

    • For primary schools: 78.4% were using an external provider, 17.9% were using a specialist teacher and 48% were using another teacher.

    • For high schools: 44.8% were using an external provider, 95.9% were using a specialist teacher and 69.2% were using another teacher.

    Previous research has shown how schools outsource to external providers to “fill the gap” of teachers lacking confidence and competence to provide quality health and physical education lessons.

    This study did not measure how frequent outsourcing was, however, comments from respondents suggests it is regular. For example, one teacher said: “a typical [outsourced] class would have one lesson a week for a term”.

    Another teacher similarly said

    one 40 min[ute] lesson per week. Company comes in with equipment and young university students to run different activities. They also assess our students for us.

    Another teacher told us:

    We use [company name], they offer different sports/programs that run for one lesson a week per term.

    Families are being asked to pay

    Of the schools who were outsourcing lessons, 78% of the schools outsourcing lessons said they were asking parents to help pay for these lessons.

    One respondent told us, the costs were “A$45 for one term, $80 for two”.

    Of this group, 64% reported students who did not pay did other school work (either for health and physical education or another core subject). About one fifth of schools said students that don’t pay just had to “sit and watch”.

    This suggests some students are missing out on basic learning opportunities at school for financial reasons. As one teacher told us:

    the school uses some off-campus sporting/gaming facilities that students can choose to pay extra for instead of free on-campus teacher run [activities].

    Some students are just made to ‘sit and watch’ if they can’t pay.
    nannycz/Shutterstock

    Why is this a problem?

    The outsourcing of health and physical education lessons comes in the middle of an ongoing teacher shortage in Australia and around the world.

    A 2024 UN report estimates a global shortage of more than 44 million teachers, with many teachers teaching outside of their areas of expertise.

    Specific shortages of health and physical education teachers have been noted for more than a decade.

    However, outsourcing lessons away from qualified teachers, is a significant concern. Little is known about the external providers’ qualifications or quality. Unlike teachers, they are not subject to registration requirements or professional standards.

    Even more concerning is some students are missing out on lessons or some components of lessons because their families have not been able to pay.

    This links to wider concerns about unequal access to sport in the school system. This includes some private schools with new Olympic pools and boat ramps when other public schools don’t have access to council playing fields.

    More research is needed

    Our study suggests more research is needed. We need further information on staffing, outsourcing and lesson delivery in other areas of the country and in other subjects.

    We need to be sure all students are being taught the core curriculum, free of charge and by qualified teachers – ideally specialists.

    Jessica Amy Sears is affiliated with ACHPER (Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation) NSW.

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

    – ref. Why are some Australian students having to pay to do PE at public schools? – https://theconversation.com/why-are-some-australian-students-having-to-pay-to-do-pe-at-public-schools-239489

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New critical minerals strategy to attract clean energy investment and create thousands of jobs

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 18 October 2024

    Released by: The Premier, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Natural Resources, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces

    The Minns Labor Government will create a $250 million royalty deferral initiative for critical minerals projects and will examine the implementation of a rapid assessment framework for minerals mining projects.

    The initiatives are the first actions of the NSW Government’s new Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy, which sets a vision for NSW to become a global leader in critical minerals.

    Currently there are 12 critical minerals mining and processing projects in NSW that are ready for investment. They need around $7.6 billion in capital investment value and are expected to generate about 4,600 jobs during construction and 2,700 ongoing jobs.

    High initial investment costs for critical minerals projects are a barrier for the industry. The royalty deferral scheme will assist new projects in the early stages of development, ease financial pressures, attract investment to NSW and enhance the economic viability of the sector.

    Another immediate action from the strategy is a joint Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure and NSW Resources assessment to deliver greater certainty to the sector around the planning process for critical minerals projects.

    NSW has globally significant resource deposits and 21 of the 31 nationally declared critical minerals. The strategy identifies priority minerals and metals for NSW – including rare earths, scandium, cobalt, copper and silver – which have important uses in the electrification of the economy and the manufacturing of clean energy products like solar panels and batteries.

    The strategy outlines the vital role of critical minerals in supporting broader government priorities, including in the clean energy transition and driving domestic manufacturing.

    The International Energy Agency estimates that over the next 20 years, the world will need six times the amount of critical minerals currently mined to reach global net-zero carbon emissions. The energy transition will need double today’s copper production, triple today’s rare earth elements and cobalt production, and thirty times more nickel – all these minerals can be found in NSW.

    Fully realising the opportunity of the state’s critical minerals and high-tech metals deposits means moving further down the supply chain and beyond only extracting and exporting resources. Examples of this in the strategy include investigating opportunities to pilot common-user refineries and supporting investment in domestic manufacturing.

    The new Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy focuses on five key pillars:

    • Encouraging exploration by minimising investment risk in greenfield exploration and promoting exploration in new areas,
    • Incentivising production by creating an attractive investment environment and removing barriers to help projects move from exploration to production,
    • Developing future-ready skills by providing training and education pathways to encourage careers in critical minerals mining,
    • Establishing resilient supply chains by examining local processing facilities, driving research and development, and investigating critical minerals recycling, and
    • Engaging local communities by ensuring responsible mining.

    The royalty initiative will be an opt-in scheme where the first five years of royalties are deferred. It will apply to critical minerals projects which can start production between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2030, predominantly mine commodities listed on the Commonwealth Government’s Critical Minerals List and where the proponent has a market capitalisation under $5 billion.

    The full Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy, and a two-page summary of the strategy, can be viewed on the NSW Resources website https://www.nsw.gov.au/criticalminerals.

    Quotes attributable to NSW Premier Chris Minns:

    “We’ve got the metals and minerals the world needs, and NSW is open for business.

    “We are sending a clear message to Aussie and global miners: invest in NSW.

    “This is about backing regional jobs and manufacturing jobs, and taking advantage of the critical minerals boom.

    “We want to make sure we fully realise the opportunities that critical minerals and high-tech metals have for NSW.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully:

    “To be a global leader in critical minerals, it is vital that the NSW planning system operates efficiently and provides certainty and transparency to the critical minerals sector and communities.

    “The strategy identifies a number of improvements we can make to help enhance the system. These will provide greater guidance to the industry and improve collaboration between government agencies and departments in project assessment.

    “We’re also investigating further ways to improve decision-making to make sure we fully realise the opportunity before us.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos:

    “Our vision for NSW is to be a global leader in critical minerals and high-tech metals, generating economic prosperity through exploration, mining, processing and advanced manufacturing.

    “NSW critical minerals projects typically have long lead times for development, and higher capital investment. The new royalty deferral scheme will assist mine proponents to attract investment and move faster to production.

    “The new strategy sets out a clear vision for NSW to be a leader in critical minerals and high-tech metals, generating economic prosperity through responsible exploration, mining, processing, recycling and advanced manufacturing.

    “We want NSW to be moving further down the supply chain. Extracting minerals is a critical first step, but we can generate strong economic returns and support more jobs by getting into processing and advanced manufacturing.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong:

    “The new Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy forms a key part of the NSW Government’s approach to Industry policy, which seeks to invest and promote home-grown products and services not only for NSW, but for export right around the world.

    “This strategy provides a long-term vision and commitment to the critical minerals and high-tech metals mining industry so that businesses can feel confident to invest and grow in NSW, as we seize the investment opportunities of the renewable energy economy, both here and across the globe.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: NSW Government commits $75 million to deliver much-needed infrastructure for Western Sydney homes

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 18 October 2024

    Released by: Deputy Premier, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Minister for Western Sydney

    The Minns Labor Government is investing $75 million to build roads, parks, infrastructure and improved town centre access for more than 42,000 new homes across Western Sydney.

    Special Infrastructure Contributions fund critical supporting infrastructure for homes such as state and regional roads, primary and secondary schools and emergency, health and bus services.

    For more than a decade, fast-growing communities in Western Sydney have not received their fair share of infrastructure. Delivering on its commitment to support essential infrastructure for the communities taking the most housing, the Minns Labor Government is delivering new grant funding to help build better communities.

    The $75 million in round 6 of the Special Infrastructure Contribution grant funding targets councils in specific local government areas in the Western Sydney Growth Centres such as Blacktown, Camden, Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, The Hills and Liverpool.

    The grant funding aligns with the National Housing Accord target of 377,000 new, well-located homes across NSW by 2029.

    Previous grant rounds have supported long-awaited projects for growing communities, including:

    • More than $34 million toward the Memorial Avenue Road Upgrade at Kellyville in North West Sydney, which is currently underway.
    • More than $20 million toward the new Edmondson Park primary and high schools. Approvals have now been received for the high school, with construction set to get underway in the near future.

    The key driver of these projects has been the significant population growth experienced by Western Sydney, which has not been matched by the infrastructure these communities need.

    The Minns Labor Government is committed to building a better NSW with more homes, paired with vital infrastructure, as we take action to address the housing crisis.

    This grant is also open to state agencies including Communities and Justice, Education, Transport for NSW, NSW Health, NSW Police, Fire and Rescue NSW and the Planning Ministerial Corporation.

    The grant funding for the Special Infrastructure Contributions $75 million Round 6 will open for nominations at 9am on Friday 18 October and close midnight on Monday 16 December 2024.

    The Special Infrastructure Contributions will continue to apply until 30 June 2026 when the Housing and Productivity Contribution will apply to the current area of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.

    For more information visit: https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/plans-for-your-area/infrastructure-funding/special-infrastructure-contributions/western-sydney-growth-area-sic

    Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

    “Western Sydney is one of the largest growth areas in our state but is lacking the infrastructure to support vibrant and well-connected communities.

    “New roads, open spaces, active transport and town centre access will make housing across these six LGAs possible, especially in Blacktown and The Hills.

    “Western Sydney was left behind by the previous government, we are not only building new homes but we are building the infrastructure to support better communities.”

    Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

    “The Minns Government is committed to delivering new, well-located homes where they are needed most.

    “In order to build a community, residents need access to a local school, connecting roads and critical services.

    “This funding means supporting infrastructure is being delivered alongside new homes.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New program to shape future of regional rail infrastructure

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 18 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Regional Transport and Roads

    The Minns Labor Government has greenlit development of a new strategy that will lay out the pathway to a better regional rail network in NSW for passengers and freight.

    Representing a fresh approach to how rail infrastructure investment is determined, the Regional Network East/West Uplift (RNEW) Program has been established to create a 10-year investment pipeline and strategic plan for rail infrastructure in regional NSW.

    Under the former government, regional rail infrastructure investment was determined on an ad-hoc basis without proper regard for the needs of the regional rail network in its entirety. Industry partners and other major stakeholders were also not always properly consulted, with initiatives like Fixing Country Rail and the Main West Capacity Enhancement Program lacking a holistic, strategic focus and projects often stuck in development limbo for years.

    The RNEW Program will take a fresh look at where regional rail infrastructure investment is needed, while putting proper evidence-based decision making at the forefront of planning work and giving industry, the Government and the public a clear vision for the future of the network.

    Through comprehensive data analysis, research into reliability and future capacity requirements, extensive evaluation of existing assets and wide-ranging consultation — the RNEW Program will ensure the NSW Government better understands, manages, forecasts and delivers upgrades to regional rail network.

    The Program will also have a key focus on opportunities to improve the Country Regional Network (CRN) which includes over 2,300 kilometres of operational rail lines and is vital for transporting 2.7 billion gross tonnes of freight annually and delivering more than 120 passenger services per week.

    Linkages between the broader regional rail network and existing projects such as Inland Rail, the Freight Policy Reform and Regional Level Crossing programs will also be explored by the Program team, with potential efficiency improvements to be identified and considered.

    Once developed, the final investment strategy will complement Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plans being developed across the nine regional areas in the state. 

    The RNEW Program team will commence engagement with freight industry, rail operators and users, and local government will begin in 2025, with the final strategy to be delivered in 2026.

    Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

    “The NSW Government is committed to providing rail networks across the state that are effective, efficient and reliable for all users – freight and passengers.

    “The RNEW Program will allow us to better understand, manage, forecast, and deliver improvements on the state’s regional rail network, bringing projects under one banner to ensure a holistic and strategic approach.

    “Regional communities have been calling for investment in rail infrastructure in the regions. This program will ensure any investment is made on the basis of robust planning and development to enrich our state.

    “The program will enable the NSW Government to develop a long-term pipeline of infrastructure investment initiatives whilst being flexible and agile enough to address emerging network issues.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Minns labor government continues support for regional and community papers

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 18 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Regional NSW

    This Minns Labor Government is continuing work to safeguard the production of local stories across the state with $3 million in grants to be made available to regional and rural newspapers.

    Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty announced the delivery of the Government’s top up of $3 million to make the Regional Media Fund a $6 million commitment since its election, at the 2024 Country Press NSW Conference and Awards of Excellence in Dubbo.

    Regional media plays a vital role in keeping their communities informed and reporting on matters of importance, as well as informing, celebrating and connecting people.

    The first round of the Regional Media Fund, which closed in April 2023, delivered grants to 47 regional outlets to support diversification and expansion into digital content.

    Following consultation with regional media stakeholders, including the Country Press NSW and Australian Community Media, the second round of this program will be improved to better reflect industry needs and ease accessibility for support.

    This new funding will be made available to help support media organisations to meet the production, operational and content gathering costs associated with running a regional and rural media outlet.

    Eligibility and guidelines of the second round will be finalised in the coming weeks in close consultation with industry and stakeholders with grant applications to open before the end of the year.

    This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing work to deliver solutions which will support regional NSW communities to thrive.

    Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

    “The Minns Labor Government understands the importance of local papers and local stories particularly in regional communities.

    “It is regional and rural papers that help get local issues on the agenda that would otherwise fall through the cracks.

    “We understand complex barriers face these outlets, including the rise of technology. This funding is about providing responsible support which will ease the pressure facing regional media.   

    Country Press NSW President Lucie Peart said:

    “We are pleased that the Minister has announced the Regional Media Fund Round Two. This second round was a key piece of the government’s election commitment.

    “We are grateful that this round will provide further support to regional publishers. Since the first round of the fund, the landscape for regional news businesses has changed; we are challenged by digital platforms and a further decline in newsrooms across the state.

    “This second round of funding will provide a boost to the regional news industry and allow journalists and local newspaper publishers to keep doing what they do best – keeping communities informed and providing vital public interest journalism.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Work starts to find NSW’s next new cruise terminal

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 18 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Transport

    A panel of cruise and tourism industry experts has been established to work on identifying the preferred location for a potential new cruise terminal in NSW.

    This will allow the NSW Government to determine the best solution to plan for a new terminal so our state can maintain and grow its market share of Australia’s multi-billion dollar cruise industry well into the future.

    A new cruise terminal will provide greater capacity for our cruise industry, which contributed $4.4 billion to the NSW economy in 2023-24 and created more than 13,700 jobs.

    The Cruising Industry Advisory Panel has been convened by NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen and will be chaired by Port Authority CEO Phil Holliday, supported by industry experts including:

    • John McKenna, Port Authority Chief Customer and Commercial Officer
    • Margy Osmond, CEO Tourism and Transport Forum
    • Marika Calfas, NSW Ports
    • Gavin Smith, Vice President and Managing Director in Australia and New Zealand of Royal Caribbean International
    • Peter Little, Interim Leader for P&O Cruises Australia and Carnival Australia
      Jill Abel, CEO, Australian Cruise Association
    • Sarina Bratton, Ponant
    • Joel Katz, Managing Director Cruise Lines International Association Australasia
      Antony Ritch, CEO, TFE Hotels
    • Ben Angell, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Vice President & Managing Director

    While Sydney cruise terminals have not reached capacity for bookings yet, the panel will identify options for a future berthing facility to support the long-term growth of the cruise industry across our state.

    The Panel will also investigate options for increased capacity at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, ensuring the cruise industry remain well supported for growth, as plans progress to investigate options for a potential third cruise terminal.

    This work follows the Minns Government’s announcement that Shore Power at the White Bay Cruise Terminal will be delivered by the end of 2026, so cruise ships can plug into power instead of running their engines while in port.

    Quotes attributable to NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen:

    “The cruise industry in NSW is making a massive contribution to our economy, but it needs certainty so we can all get the benefits from its long-term growth.

    “NSW’s next permanent cruise terminal will be a massive new piece of infrastructure and we have to get it right. That’s why we’ve assembled the best people to find the best location, so we can grow our cruise industry long into the future.”

    Quotes attributable to Tourism and Transport Forum CEO Margy Osmond:

    “It’s fantastic to see the State Government and industry coming together to identify a third cruise terminal, to attract more visitors and boost tourism across NSW. We look forward to working with the Port Authority to deliver a more certain future for the cruise industry and all Australians who love to cruise.

    Increasing capacity will be essential to cater for the growing interest in cruising and support a range of jobs linked to cruise tourism, spanning restaurants, hotels, retailers, travel agents and more.”

    Quotes attributable to Port Authority CEO Captain Philip Holliday:

    “Port Authority is delighted to be leading this cross-industry panel as the next step in determining the right location for a new state-of-the art third cruise terminal in NSW.

    Planning for a third terminal is about keeping NSW in pole position as the capital of cruise and retaining the lion’s share of economic benefits from cruise right here in NSW to support local hospitality and retail businesses, tourism and suppliers.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Regulator announces inquiry into Leicester disability charity

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government Non-Ministerial Departments

    The Charity Commission, the regulator of charities for England and Wales, has opened a statutory inquiry into Leicestershire Centre for Integrated Living Limited.

    The charity supports disabled people by promoting inclusion and accessibility in everyday living. 

    The charity was already under investigation as part of the Commission’s ‘double defaulters’ class inquiry, after it was identified as persistently late in filing its accounting information.   

    Upon further engagement with the charity, serious concerns arose regarding its general management and governance. The Commission has therefore escalated its engagement to a separate inquiry to investigate:   

    • The extent to which the charity’s trustees are complying with their legal duties in respect of the administration, governance and management of their charity.  

    • Whether the trustees have adequate financial and strategic oversight of their charity, including the management and supervision of staff. 

    • Whether the charity is being managed in accordance with its governing document and operating for the public benefit. 

    • The trustees’ compliance with their legal obligations for the content, preparation and filing of the charity’s accounts and other information or returns. 

    The scope of the inquiry may be varied if new evidence comes to light.  

    It is the Commission’s policy, after it has concluded an inquiry, to publish a report detailing what issues the inquiry looked at, what actions were undertaken as part of the inquiry and what the outcomes were.  

    ENDS

    Notes to editors   

    1. The Charity Commission is the independent, non-ministerial government department that registers and regulates charities in England and Wales. Its ambition is to be an expert regulator that is fair, balanced, and independent so that charity can thrive. This ambition will help to create and sustain an environment where charities further build public trust and ultimately fulfil their essential role in enhancing lives and strengthening society.  

    2. This statutory inquiry was opened on 13 September 2024. 

    3. On 25 July 2022 the Commission placed the charity into the Double Defaulter Class Inquiry for charities that are in default of their statutory obligations to meet reporting requirements by failing to file their annual documents (annual returns, reports and accounts) for two or more years in the last five years.

    Press office

    Email pressenquiries@charitycommission.gov.uk

    Out of hours press office contact number: 07785 748787

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Foreign Secretary visits China

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrives in China on two-day trip, which will include meetings in Beijing and Shanghai

    • Foreign Secretary arrives in China on two-day trip, which will include meetings in Beijing and Shanghai
    • UK is taking a consistent, strategic and pragmatic approach to China which prioritises the UK national interest
    • Foreign Secretary will urge China to stop its political and economic support of the Russian war effort

    The UK is to take a stable, consistent and pragmatic approach to China, with engagement vital between two global players. That is the message the Foreign Secretary David Lammy will deliver as he lands in Beijing today. 

    The Foreign Secretary will meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Friday (18), with talks which will cover a breadth of issues, from climate and trade, to global foreign policy challenges including Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

    In Shanghai, the Foreign Secretary will meet with British business leaders to discuss how our economic links with China support growth in the UK.

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

    As permanent members of the UN Security Council with major global economies, the UK and China are global players. Our relationship matters.

    Engagement with China is pragmatic and necessary to support UK and global interests. From stopping Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, to supporting a global green transition, we must speak often and candidly across both areas of contention as well as areas for cooperation in the UK’s national interest.

    UK diplomatic efforts with China will be one of serious, stable and pragmatic reengagement across the full spectrum of government, prioritising the UK’s national interests.

    This will come with a firm recognition that the UK and China will not, and do not, always agree. We have significant differences including on democratic values and freedoms, Hong Kong and support for Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine; but we also have shared interests, including a global green energy transition, and deep economic links, with China including Hong Kong the UK’s 4th largest trading partner.

    The Foreign Secretary’s visit is a reflection of the consistent, strategic and pragmatic approach the UK government will take to managing the UK’s relations with China – co-operating where we can; competing where we need to; and challenging where we must.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Virtual reality and wearable technology pilot to cut drug deaths

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The government will fund research into wearable technology, virtual reality and artificial intelligence in a bid to support people with drug addictions.

    • Government funds research into wearable technology, virtual reality and artificial intelligence to support people with drug addictions and save lives
    • Projects include body-worn devices which alert emergency services if overdose is expected
    • 11 projects across UK could be rolled out more widely if successful

    Thousands of lives could be saved through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and wearable technology designed to reduce drug deaths and improve outcomes.

    The government has awarded £12 million to projects across the UK that are researching innovative technology to support people with addictions.

    One of the chosen projects, called PneumoWave ALERT, pairs a chest-worn sensor that monitors breathing to a mobile device that sends out an immediate alert to nearby antidote carriers and emergency services if an overdose is detected, helping people get potentially life-saving treatment as soon as possible.

    Another study will look at using virtual reality to help people overcome their triggers for cocaine addiction. People will be assessed using watch-like devices to determine which cues in their environment lead to a drug craving, by measuring physical changes to the body.

    Virtual reality will then be used to create realistic situations to repeatedly expose people to triggers in a safe environment. Previous research shows cue exposure treatment (CET) can significantly reduce the level of craving and relapse among alcoholics, but it has not yet been fully explored for people experiencing a cocaine addiction until now.

    Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Andrew Gwynne said:

    Drug addiction devastates lives and rips apart families, and this government is committed to gripping this problem.

    We’re determined to harness the full potential of cutting-edge technology to save thousands of lives across the country. I want the UK to lead the way in championing innovation to end the harmful effects of addiction.

    The research is being funded through the Addiction Healthcare Goals programme, which is run by the Office for Life Sciences (OLS). Around £12 million has been awarded to 11 projects across eight organisations in the UK. The projects were selected as part of the Reducing Drug Deaths Challenge and the NIHR i4i Addiction: Innovation for Treatment and Recovery Awards, which are being run in partnership with the Scottish government and National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).  

    The funding will also support research to improve the accessibility of the life-saving drug naloxone. Naloxone rapidly reverses heroin and opioid overdose but is typically available as an injection or nasal spray which have limitations and cannot always be used in time. Kings College London is looking into naloxone wafers which melt in the mouth and provide rapid access to this emergency medicine and can fit easily in a wallet or purse.

    Several of the projects are based in Scotland which has the highest rate of drug deaths in Europe.

    These include a wristband to monitor vital signs such as blood oxygen levels, heart rate and body temperature. If an overdose is suspected, the device, named “Saving Sam”, will send out an alert to a trusted contact. This research is being run by the University of Edinburgh and NHS Fife.

    The technology being researched could be rolled out to more sites across the UK if successful. The projects support the government’s Health Mission – building an NHS fit for the future – by helping to embed a greater focus on prevention and supporting services.

    It also helps establish the UK as a global leader for innovative treatments and technologies, supporting the UK’s Growth Mission – for sustained economic growth, good jobs and increased productivity across the country – by inspiring healthcare companies to invest in the UK, while supporting people back into stable work.

    Science Minister Lord Vallance said:

    The UK’s life sciences sector plays a critical role in finding new ways to tackle the biggest challenges facing healthcare, including the devastating impact of addiction. The Addiction Healthcare Goals Programme is testament to our commitment to bringing together researchers, clinicians, and innovators to create real change.

    From wearable technology to AI-powered tools, these innovative projects highlight the power of collaboration in delivering life-saving treatments. By investing in these partnerships, we are tackling addiction head-on and ensuring that cutting-edge science reaches those who need it most, improving public health across the UK.

    Professor Mike Lewis, NIHR’s Scientific Director for Innovation, said: 

    Innovation in managing addiction is needed to break the pattern of prison relapse and rebound and the wider impacts of addiction on society.

    Through the NIHR i4i Addiction: Innovation for Treatment and Recovery Awards, successful projects have been awarded funding to develop approaches to improve treatment and recovery outcomes.

    Interventions, including AI, that allow management in the community need this research to validate their potential so we can implement them at scale.

    Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak, Chief Scientific Advisor for Health, Scottish Government, said:

    Tackling drug-related deaths is a priority for the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland and we are committed to tackling these issues through targeted research, innovation and support.

    As part of phase two of the Reducing Drug Deaths Innovation Competition, funding has been awarded to develop seven prototypes aimed at reducing drug deaths.

    These innovative solutions include wearable sensors, digital monitoring and alert applications as well as novel antidote delivery systems.

    By harnessing the expertise we have in Scotland and across the rest of the UK, we can continue to develop new technologies to drive prevention initiatives.

    Professor Anne Lingford-Hughes, Chair of the Addiction Healthcare Goals, said: 

    New approaches to treat drug addiction and reduce drug related deaths, particularly from overdose, are urgently needed. The Addiction Healthcare Goals programme is pleased to fund promising innovations that have brought together partnerships between industry, academia and organisations involved in delivering treatment and care for those experiencing drug addictions.

    Establishing such collaborations also enhances the UK’s research capacity and ability to deliver novel patient research. This lays firm foundations for the UK to accelerate the development and testing of effective innovations to use in routine care to save lives, reduce harms, and benefit society.

    Notes to editors:

    Further information on some of the projects is available below:

    Reducing Drug Deaths Innovation Challenge

    Pneumowave ALERT

    PneumoWave ALERT is a remote monitoring platform designed to make opioid usage safer by detecting the onset of life-threatening respiratory problems caused by opioid-induced overdose. The platform consists of a discreet, chest-worn biosensor paired with a mobile device, which allows for the immediate alerting of nearby naloxone carriers and emergency medical services. The research involves conducting end-to-end monitoring, detection, and alerting in 200 high-risk patients residing in homeless accommodation, in collaboration with the University of Dundee, King’s College London, and Third Sector partners HumanKind, Thames Reach, and Hillcrest Futures.

    NOMW Health

    NOMW Health, in collaboration with Greater Glasgow and Clyde Innovation Hub and The University of Southampton, previously conducted a feasibility study on LifeSavr, an innovative wearable device aimed at addressing the opioid overdose crisis. The Scotland-based team is now advancing the development of LifeSavr to prepare it for consumer availability in the UK, Europe, and globally. LifeSavr features monitoring of oxygen saturation, heart rate, body movements and respiratory rate for accurate overdose detection. It is based on NASA research and uses a self-contained design that eliminates the need for a mobile phone. The device aims to reduce the burden on emergency services and long-term care.

    Kings College London

    Kings College London is developing rapid-dispersal naloxone wafers to improve the accessibility and portability of this life-saving emergency antidote medication. Naloxone rapidly reverses heroin/opioid overdose, but current forms (injection and nasal spray) have limitations, such as requiring healthy nasal passages and consistent carrying by users. The proposed naloxone wafers disintegrate within seconds and can easily fit into a wallet or purse, addressing the current low carriage rates which are around 15-20%.

    EMoodie – Saving SAM System for Alert and Monitoring of Potential Overdoses  

    ‘Saving SAM’ is an innovative, low-cost digital tool developed by eMoodie Limited to help prevent drug overdoses and save lives. The tool consists of a wristband that monitors vital signs such as blood oxygen levels, heart rate, body temperature, and movement patterns to detect potential overdose risks. If an overdose is suspected, the wristband sends an alert to the Saving SAM app on the user’s smartphone, alerting a trusted contact. The app also offers mental health support and well-being programs for people who use drugs. Co-created with people with lived experience, “Saving SAM” is an overdose detection tool that combines wearables, remote monitoring, artificial intelligence (AI), and a smartphone app with gamified digital therapeutics.

    Mesox-Ltd

    MESOX has developed a wearable patch of the antidotes Naloxone and Flumazenil for the rising number of drug deaths from mixed overdosing of opioids and benzodiazepines. The skin patch is designed for wide application by non-professionals in the community, avoiding the challenges of existing routes of administration and complexity of injectable antidotes. In the next phase of development on the programme, MESOX will work closely with NHS Fife and other sub-contractors to design acceptability studies with patients across all four UK nations.

    Science & Engineering Applications Ltd (Scienap)

    Scienap, in collaboration with ambulance services led by the Scottish Ambulance Service, has designed a low-cost alert and responder pathway to create effective responses to potentially fatal overdose events. The project includes a new Alert App for self-monitoring by drug users, automatically raising an alarm if they become unresponsive, and a Care & Respond App for trusted supporters to provide coordinated help, administer life-saving drugs, and be supported by emergency services when appropriate.

    University of Glasgow

    The University of Glasgow presents a significant advancement in wearable sensor technology for detecting and preventing overdoses. The soft sensor, designed for seamless body integration, provides real-time respiratory monitoring to identify early signs of overdose episodes. The team will test the usability and acceptability of the refined prototype with people with lived/living experience of substance use through an iterative co-design process supported by the West of Scotland NHS Innovation Hub.

    NIHR i4i Addiction Innovation: Innovation for Treatment and Recovery Awards

    Kings College London – is developing a Virtual Reality-enhanced cue exposure treatment integrated with a wearable device to address craving, prevent relapse and improve treatment outcomes of people with cocaine dependence.

    A key challenge in helping people to recover for cocaine addiction (or dependence) is their craving for the drug that can be triggered by ‘cues’ in their environment, such as situations or objects, which remind them of the pleasurable effects of cocaine. This process is known as ‘classical conditioning’ and the aim of this study is to reduce the risk of relapse to cocaine through use of novel technologies to reduce craving. This research will test the ability of technology-enhanced CET to reduce craving and relapse to cocaine use, compared to people receiving usual care.

    Another project led by Kings College London, The Prison Release Engagement Trial will refine and test an interactive smartphone app to improve Continuity of Care post-release for prisoners working to stay drug free. 

    For the full list of projects that have been successful in receiving funding across both competitions, please see the NIHR publications and the Scottish Government  publications.

    Further information

    The Addiction Healthcare Goals is being delivered by the Office for Life Sciences (OLS) alongside the Dementia, Mental Health, Cancer and Obesity Healthcare Goals. The Addiction Healthcare Goals programme is working to make the UK a globally leading location for researchers and industry to develop, trial and deploy innovative treatments and technologies which will help people recover from drug and alcohol addictions, save lives, and benefit society.

    Alongside funding innovative research, the Addiction Healthcare Goals programme is aiming to support the training of research leaders across the UK and is exploring ways to make better use of addiction healthcare data to enable researchers to develop better treatments. The programme has also been working with the James Lind Alliance to identify the key research priorities within the UK community and will be publishing this list in 2025 with the aim of influencing future research funding priorities.

    The projects were selected as part of the Reducing Drug Deaths Challenge and the NIHR i4i Addiction: Innovation for Treatment and Recovery Awards, which were run in partnership with the Scottish government and National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The successful Reducing Drug Deaths projects builds on feasibility funding awarded through phase 1 of the Reducing Drugs Deaths Challenge last year.

    The Addiction Healthcare Goals form a part of the Department of Health and Social Care’s ambition to deliver a world-class treatment and recovery system for people experiencing drug and alcohol addictions.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Eye in the sky: Drones assist mapping estuarine habitats

    Source: New South Wales Department of Primary Industries

    18 Oct 2024

    Coastal ecosystems are being targeted by eyes in the sky as part of an ongoing effort to monitor and protect, seagrasses, saltmarshes and mangroves across the state’s estuaries.

    NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Fisheries Research Scientist Dr Daniel Swadling said the state-wide mapping project is using drones to capture images of these challenging environments.

    “Accessing remote saltmarsh and mangrove areas is no easy task, due to the challenging environments. Some sites are so remote that they can’t be accessed by boat or 4WD,” Dr Swadling said.

    “By using drone technology, the team can capture high-resolution phot
    ographs of these areas which is crucial for tracking changes in these habitats and assessing their overall condition.

    “These images are then compared to preliminary maps created from aerial imagery, a process known as validation, which helps ensure the accuracy of the habitat data.”

    Dr Swadling said a recent mapping expedition in the Clarence River demonstrated the benefits of blending technology with the natural habitat.

    “Because of the difficulty in accessing some of these areas, we were able to obtain ‘Extended Visual Line of Sight’ (EVLOS) endorsements. This approval allows drone pilots to fly beyond the usual visual line of sight. With EVLOS, we could photograph areas up to 1.5 kilometres away, well beyond standard drone operating limits,” Dr Swadling said.

    “Mapping estuarine habitats is a key component of the Marine Estate Management Strategy (MEMS) and vital for safeguarding the future of NSW’s estuaries by providing data to protect these ecosystems for future generations.”

    The NSW Estuarine Habitat Monitoring and Threat Assessment Project is conducted by DPIRD Fisheries and funded via the NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy.

    An updated map of the Clarence River estuary will soon be available to the public via the Estuarine Habitat Dashboard and Fisheries Spatial Data Portal.

    Media contact: pi.media@dpird.nsw.gov.au

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  • MIL-OSI Australia: Golden Highway a critical path to net zero ambitions

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Golden Highway a critical path to net zero ambitions

    Published: 18 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Energy and Climate Change, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads

    Detailed maps are now available to outline the 19 highway upgrades that will pave the way from the Port of Newcastle to the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).

    ‘Port to REZ’ upgrades will be funded by the Australian and NSW governments, with $128.5 million announced towards 320 kilometres of road upgrades and ancillary works.

    The upgrades will enable the transportation of wind turbines and other crucial components needed for wind and solar farms and the transmission network that connects them.

    The Energy Corporation of NSW (EnergyCo) and Transport for NSW are working together to deliver the improved roads, ensuring they can comfortably accommodate transportation of materials required, whilst also improving road safety for local communities.

    The 19 specific locations identified as pinch points are on the Golden Highway between the Port of Newcastle and Elong Elong, as well as a section of the Castlereagh Highway.

    The maps can be found here

    Quotes attributable to NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:

    “Transport for NSW is supporting the eight councils along the route with resources and information to help guide them in the rollout of the REZ in preparation for new wind and solar power operations.

    “We are working closely with councils who are the local road authorities in their respective areas, responsible for the management of local road networks, including road safety, road funding, road maintenance and heavy vehicle access.

    “Additionally, Transport for NSW and EnergyCo are currently carrying out a review of roads across the designated renewable energy corridors to determine if any roads should be reclassified as state roads.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe:

    “As the Renewable Energy Zones progress, we’re working to ensure that local infrastructure such as roads, are in a good enough state to accommodate extra demands.

    “This is part of our commitment to the long-term prosperity of communities hosting Renewable Energy Zones as we continue the transformation of our state’s energy system.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Reducing workload in hundreds more schools

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Reducing workload in hundreds more schools

    Published: 18 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Education and Early Learning

    A trial program aimed at slashing teacher workload and helping educators focus on classroom learning has been extended for two years as the Minns Labor Government rolls out the next tranche to more than 700 schools.

    The School Administration Reduction Program is part of the Minns Labor Government’s work to address teacher burnout and staff shortages caused by unsustainable workloads.

    The trial workload reduction program works to permanently equip schools with new systems and more efficient ways of dealing with the many additional tasks that schools, and in particular teachers, do every day above and beyond teaching their students.

    Through the program hundreds of additional School Administrative and Support Staff (SASS) are deployed to public schools to improve systems and relieve teachers of burdensome administrative work that built up under the Liberals and Nationals.

    Schools who have participated in the program have reported a substantial reduction in the workload of teachers and principals, as well as better training for staff.

    Examples of improvements made through the program include:

    • The Ponds School – improved the planning and coordinating of additional support, resources and programs offered by the school. Previously this work was performed by teachers.
    • Tacking Point Public School – better utilised technology to streamline many administrative tasks, taking them off the plate of teachers.
    • Medowie Public School – developed and implemented an efficient communication strategy to reduce teacher workload and improve correspondence with parents and carers.
    • Wallerawang Public School – enhanced staff induction processes, developing a new handbook on key school procedures including first aid, evacuation, and other WHS protocols.
    • James Fallon High School – made improvements including digitising historical records, strengthening healthcare plan systems and managing risk assessments.

    The program, which has been in 419 schools across 2023–24, will now move to more than 700 schools for 2025–26. By the end of 2026, 1,000 schools—or nearly half of NSW public schools—will have benefited from the School Administration Reduction Program.

    This program is part of a wider effort to reduce workload pressure in schools, which includes:

    • An extensive review of administrative tasks done in schools. Some 70 per cent of the tasks identified are directly linked to departmental policies, highlighting the importance of streamlining these documents and teachers’ ability to access them.
    • A line-by-line audit of teachers’ administrative and bureaucratic tasks was also completed earlier this year, as part of a broader initiative to reduce teacher workload by 5 hours a week.   The review identified around 100 tasks which cause high or very high bureaucratic workload, around 60 per cent of which directly impacts teachers. The department is using the findings to simplify tasks and further reduce teacher workload. 

    This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing work to address the teacher shortage and rebuild public education in NSW. Under the former government teachers were leaving the profession in record numbers, with teacher vacancies rising to a record high of 3,000.

    Our work to rebuild public education includes delivering teachers the biggest pay rise in a generation and reducing the number of teacher vacancies to their lowest in three years, a 24 per cent drop from last year to this year.

    Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

    “We need our teachers focusing on what matters most – providing high quality teaching for our students in the classroom.

    “This program is reducing teacher workload and streamlining school systems on a long-term basis, allowing educators to focus on the important job of teaching.

    “We’ll closely study the learnings from the School Administration Reduction Program to inform our broader effort to cut workload across our system.”

    Michelle Said, Principal, South Creek School, said: 

    “The program has been hugely beneficial to our School for Specific Purpose. We have been able to achieve so much in our school and community due to our extra SASS taking the load off teachers and executive.” 

    Megan Manson, Principal, Canobolas Public School, said:

    “The program has made a real difference for our classrooms and the running of our office. We have used our SASS staff member to assist with administration on digital platforms, coordinating projects and excursions, covering books and other classroom duties, and running a reading fluency program.

    “All of these tasks have had a positive impact on our staff and students.” 

    MIL OSI News –

  • 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.”

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  • 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-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 Australia: Interview with Laura Jayes, Sky News

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    LAURA JAYES, HOST: One of the biggest issues you’re engaged in at the moment, especially if you’re a parent, is social media, and where it should be banned, at what age. The Government is working on this. Joining me now is the Communications Minister, Michelle Rowland. She’s here in the studio with me. We talk about this a lot. We’ve been discussing how at school pickup this is being discussed widely. There’s a lot of pressure on parents at the moment. It’s not about outsourcing, parenting. Where we’re trying to land now, at the moment, particularly from the Government’s perspective, is what the age is, what the age limit is.
     
    MICHELLE ROWLAND, MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS: That’s right. And we’re working through that now, Laura. There’s a wide variety of views about what that minimum age should be. But it’s been a really useful conversation that’s been going on in the Australian community, also with experts, and at the Social Media Summit that I attended last week, jointly hosted by South Australia and New South Wales.
     
    There’s a couple of things I’ll say: the first is we’ve released our legislative design principles because we will introduce legislation this year to introduce a mandatory minimum age for accessing social media. And part of that legislative design includes putting the onus on the platforms, not on parents or children. Parents and children won’t be subject to penalties. These will rest on the digital platforms to demonstrate that they are enforcing this minimum age, and the eSafety Commissioner will be responsible for oversight and enforcement. And, this is a really important point – we’ve already got a framework in place to be able to do this. We’re not starting from scratch.
     
    Governments and regulators around the world are grappling with the issue, and I’m sure your viewers recognise that social media has many benefits, but the harms need to be addressed, particularly as they apply to children.
     
    JAYES: Yeah.
     
    ROWLAND: The second point about the age: people will say to me, the really important value here is normative. It’s not saying how you should parent or judging parenting, it’s giving parents a guide, giving parents some normative value there about saying this is what government has determined based on the research they’ve done- based on the evidence is reasonable.
     
    And parents are exhausted. They’re exhausted trying to keep up with the demands of parenting and having this second generation of digital natives. So, I think that is where the value in this will lie, in addition to actually keeping children safer online, but also, as we’ve seen from the mobile phone ban in schools, exposing them to things beyond looking at a screen all the time.
     
    JAYES: Yeah, and this is a first generation of young children whose lives are lived through social media, more than they are in real life, in many ways. And the evidence is overwhelming, isn’t it? When you look at the rates of depression, suicide ideation and just general anxiety, it comes down to social media and the digital influence in our lives. So, when you say you’re going to introduce legislation that will happen towards the end of the year, so end of November – that’s the last couple of sitting weeks before Christmas. And you will have an age there?
     
    ROWLAND: That’s correct.
     
    JAYES: In that legislation.
     
    ROWLAND: And we are looking forward to support across the Parliament with this.
     
    JAYES: Have you decided on that, but don’t want to tell us yet? Or …
     
    ROWLAND: No, we’re working through this. And, as I said, there’s a variety of ages. We’re looking at a range between 13 and 16 …
     
    JAYES: Okay. So, 13 … that’s, a new age, because usually the argument’s around 14 and 16. Michelle, could you take us through- you know, it doesn’t seem like- it’s only three years. So, what are the arguments and the difference in the arguments between those ages?
     
    ROWLAND: They’re twofold, if I can summarise: the first is based around children’s development- physical and emotional development. So, puberty obviously, and there’s different responses to different people. We all know that. But secondly, there are also differences based on gender as well. And in terms of the platforms actually being able to recognise and enforce, we’re doing our age assurance trial at the moment, and we know that some of those technologies actually have differentiators in them, depending on even things like ethnicity. So, we have to take these different factors into account.
     
    JAYES: So this is down to face recognition?
     
    ROWLAND: Yes, and some …
     
    JAYES: And that children, particularly boys, sometimes can look older than their years.
     
    ROWLAND: Sometimes, depending on gender and depending on ethnicity, there can be variances in that.
     
    JAYES: Yeah. So, you’ve got to take that all into consideration in this legislation?
     
    ROWLAND: That’s correct. And I think I should also point out, Laura, when this is legislated, and we certainly hope that this will be legislated without delay, is that this won’t protect every child from every harm, every minute that they are online. But it’s going to make a difference. And I think that is what Australians are looking for. The alternative is to do nothing, and we’re just not prepared to take that course.
     
    JAYES: Okay. Let me ask you finally about this Channel Nine culture review. This is a long time coming. There are 22 recommendations. A lot of it’s historic, to be honest. And it’s put on the shoulders of people that are no longer at Channel Nine. Is this review acceptable to you? And is the response acceptable?
     
    ROWLAND: Firstly, this has exposed a very serious cultural issue within Nine. And we know that there’s other parts of the media who have been similarly infected by bad behaviours. Our public broadcaster is a case in point when it comes to racism.
     
    But I think what the public is looking for, and what these impacted employees are looking for, is delivery. It’s one thing to identify the problems, and it is useful that has been done and that has been made transparent now. But what people will want to see is deliverables, milestones, actual commitments, what sort of mechanisms are going to be put in place.
     
    We’re talking about the Fourth Estate here. And when you have a private sector organisation where, I think I was watching your show earlier, over 60 per cent of the complaints were around sexual harassment. No good corporate citizen would stand for that. And the fact that it has reached that level shows the seriousness of it.
     
    So, the key point here will be delivery. And I’m saying that as someone who comes from a sector where we have had our own issues and continue to implement change. Change has to happen because the Fourth Estate is fundamental to our democracy.
     
    JAYES: So, what happens if it doesn’t, because often you see these reports as big promises made. Cultural change takes time. I mean, the Government, you, for example, don’t have any power to intervene in a private sector or at a private company like Channel Nine, do you?
     
    ROWLAND: Well, the fact is, if there are crimes being committed here as well, and they’ve been reported, then that’s incumbent on Government. Government can always (take) its own actions where it sees the need to either investigate or potentially make legislative change.
     
    But I think what everyone would want to see here, Laura, is a media company acting in the best interests of not only their employees, but also their product. This is free-to-air broadcasting. It’s stable, free and ubiquitous. Any Australian can get it, but we want to see a media sector that is strong in terms of its culture. Clearly it needs to change in many aspects, and there have been reports, as I said, across the board, including in our public broadcaster, and I think the Australian people will want to see deliverables from here on.
     
    JAYES: I think so too. Michelle, thanks so much for your time. Great to see you.
     
    ROWLAND: Pleasure.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia announces changes to its Group Leadership Team

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Nokia Corporation
    Stock Exchange Release
    18 October 2024 at 08:00 EEST

    Nokia announces changes to its Group Leadership Team

    • Nokia has decided to divide its Corporate Affairs function into two separate functions: Geopolitics and Government Relations; and Communications.
    • Finland’s former Ambassador to the U.S. Mikko Hautala will join Nokia as Chief Geopolitical and Government Relations Officer, and he will become a member of the Group Leadership Team.
    • Louise Fisk has been promoted to Chief Communications Officer and will become a member of the Group Leadership Team.
    • Melissa Schoeb, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, has decided to leave the company and will step down from the Group Leadership Team.
    • Jenni Lukander, President of Nokia Technologies business group, has decided to leave the company and will step down from the Group Leadership Team.

    Espoo, Finland – Nokia today announced changes to its Group Leadership Team. Its Corporate Affairs function, which is responsible for protecting and enhancing Nokia’s reputation, will be divided into two parts: Geopolitics and Government Relations; and Communications. Former Finland ambassador to the U.S. Mikko Hautala has been appointed Chief Geopolitical and Government Relations Officer and member of the Group Leadership Team, effective November 1, 2024. Louise Fisk has been promoted to Chief Communications Officer, and member of the Group Leadership Team, effective immediately. Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Melissa Schoeb, has decided to leave the company, effective December 31, 2024, and step down from the Group Leadership Team immediately.

    In addition, President of Nokia Technologies, Jenni Lukander, has decided to leave the company, effective December 31, 2024, and will step down from the Group Leadership Team immediately. Patrik Hammaren, who is currently Chief Licensing Officer, Wireless Technologies, will assume an interim role leading Nokia Technologies and will be a member of the Group Leadership Team as the search commences for Lukander’s successor.

    “Jenni has been a valued member of the Group Leadership Team and played a crucial role in securing the long-term stability of our Technologies business, building a solid foundation for the future. The business group will now move into the next phase of its growth journey. I’m grateful for Jenni’s contribution to Nokia over the past 17 years and for her support during the upcoming transition. I wish her all the best for the next chapter of her career,” said Pekka Lundmark, President and CEO of Nokia.

    As the impact geopolitics has on Nokia’s business continues to grow, the company has taken the decision to establish the new role of Chief Geopolitical and Government Relations Officer. Mikko Hautala has been appointed to this role and will be based in Espoo, Finland, reporting to Pekka Lundmark.

    Hautala is a highly respected diplomat with over two decades of government experience in prominent roles across the world. He served as Finland’s ambassador to the United States between 2020 and 2024. Prior to that, he was the Ambassador of Finland to Russia between 2016 and 2020, and has held a range of government roles, including foreign policy advisor to Finland’s former President Sauli Niinistö.

    “Mikko’s vast experience, excellent networks and deep understanding of international diplomacy will be hugely valuable to Nokia as geopolitical factors and government policies increasingly shape our operating environment. I’m excited to welcome Mikko to the Nokia team and believe his unique strategic perspective will help strengthen our positioning in our key markets,” said Lundmark.

    “I am extremely delighted to join Nokia’s leadership team at the moment when geopolitical and strategic considerations matter more than ever. Navigating the right path under these conditions is demanding, but offers great potential for sustainable business growth,” said Hautala.

    As Nokia continues to strengthen its position and expand into new markets, the company has promoted Louise Fisk to Chief Communications Officer. She will continue to be based in London, U.K. and report to Pekka Lundmark. Fisk’s previous role at Nokia was VP, Corporate Affairs Programs & Corporate Communications. Before joining Nokia, she worked in a number of senior leadership roles, including BAE Systems Applied Intelligence and Logica.

    “I’m pleased to welcome Louise to our leadership team where she will further strengthen our strategic communications and brand positioning. Louise has already proven her ability to protect and enhance Nokia’s reputation and I look forward to her further developing our strategic positioning. I would also like to thank Melissa for her contribution, not least for delivering our brand refresh in 2023 to reposition Nokia as who we are today: a B2B technology innovation leader. I wish her all the best in her future endeavors,” said Lundmark.

    In the new setup, Nokia’s Sustainability team, previously part of the Corporate Affairs function, will report to Chief Legal Officer, Esa Niinimäki, with immediate effect.

    About Mikko Hautala:

    Born: 1972

    Nationality: Finnish

    Education:

    • Master of Social Sciences (Political history), University of Helsinki
    • Master of Philosophy (Slavic languages), University of Helsinki

    Experience:

    • 2020–2024        Ambassador, Head of Mission, Embassy of Finland, Washington DC 2016–2020        Ambassador, Head of Mission, Embassy of Finland, Moscow
    • 2012–2016        Foreign Policy Adviser to the President, Office of the President of the Republic of Finland, Helsinki
    • 2011–2012        Minister, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Finland, Moscow
    • 2007–2011        Diplomatic Adviser to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Helsinki
    • 2002–2007        First Secretary, Permanent Representation of Finland to the EU, Brussels
    • 2001–2002        Attaché, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Helsinki 1999–2001        Attaché, Embassy of Finland, Kyiv
    • 1998–1999        Visa Officer, Embassy of Finland, Kyiv
    • 1998        Market Analyst, Kazakhstan, Oy Sinebrychoff Ab, Helsinki
    • 1997        Trainee, Embassy of Finland, Kyiv

    Additional positions:

    • Board Member Support for Finnish Society (SYT) foundation.
    • Chairman John Morton Center for North American Studies Board. University of Turku.

    About Louise Fisk:

    Born: 1976

    Nationality: British

    Education:

    • Advanced executive leadership development, DUKE University.
    • Advanced global leadership, INSEAD business school
    • Post graduate diploma in PR & Journalism, University of Wales, College of Cardiff
    • BA Hons in Communication, University of Wales, College of Cardiff

    Experience:

    • 2020-2024 Vice President, Corporate Affairs Programs & Corporate Communications, Nokia.
    • 2015-2019 Global leadership team, Communications and Marketing Director, BAE Systems Applied Intelligence.
    • 2012-2015 Head of Global Communications, Investor Relations and Marketing, Innovation Group.
    • 2006-2012 Global PR Director & Deputy Communications Director, Logica.
    • 1999-2006 Partner & Associate Director, LEWIS Communications.

    Additional positions:

    • Trustee of the Williams Syndrome Foundation

    About Nokia

    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    Inquiries:

    Nokia Communications
    Phone: +358 10 448 4900
    Email: press.services@nokia.com
    Maria Vaismaa, Global Head of External Communications

    Nokia
    Investor Relations
    Phone: +358 40 803 4080
    Email: investor.relations@nokia.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change of His Majesty’s High Commissioner to Cyprus: Michael Tatham

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Mr Michael Tatham CMG has been appointed His Majesty’s High Commissioner to the Republic of Cyprus in succession to Mr Irfan Siddiq OBE

    Mr Michael Tatham CMG has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Cyprus in succession to Mr Irfan Siddiq OBE who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.  Mr Tatham will take up his appointment during November 2024.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: Michael Harry Tatham

      2023 to 2024 FCDO, Delivery Director European Political Community Summit
      2018 to 2022 Washington DC, Deputy Head of Mission (Chargé d’Affaires, 2019-20)
      2015 to 2017 FCO, Director Eastern Europe and Central Asia
      2011 to 2015 UK Mission to the United Nations, New York, Political Counsellor
      2008 to 2011 Sarajevo, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
      2006 to 2008 FCO, Head of Western Balkans Department
      2002 to 2005 Prague, Deputy Head of Mission
      1999 to 2002 10 Downing Street, Private Secretary (Foreign Affairs) to the Prime Minister
      1997 to 1999 Sofia, Deputy Head of Mission
      1995 to 1996 FCO, Private Secretary to Minister for Europe
      1995 FCO, Head of East Mediterranean Section, Southern European Department
      1993 to 1995 FCO, European Union Department (Internal)
      1989 to 1993 Prague, Third later Second Secretary (Political/Press)
      1987 to 1988 FCO, Namibia Desk Officer, Southern African Department
      1987 Joined FCO

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government launches British Infrastructure Taskforce

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Private finance experts met the Chancellor at No11 Downing Street today to boost investment in infrastructure and drive growth nationwide.

    Rachel Reeves convened the inaugural meeting of the British Infrastructure Taskforce as part of a new approach that involves government working with business to design policy that will unlock private investment, including by building business confidence in UK infrastructure investments.

    The Taskforce will explore different options to support the Government’s infrastructure goals to drive growth for the whole of the nation, and some of the UK’s biggest financial companies including LLoyds, HSBC, and M&G will be in attendance.

    This Government has committed to turbocharge infrastructure investment across the width and breadth of the UK. Invitees have been selected to ensure a wide range of experience and expertise in UK infrastructure. This marks a significant shift in approach, with key businesses and stakeholders invited to work with the government to support the delivery of its infrastructure agenda.

    It follows the announcement to launch a newly formed National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) which will bring oversight of strategy and delivery under one roof.

    The NISTA will support the development and implementation of the ten-year infrastructure strategy in conjunction with industry which was outlined for the first time last week by the Chief Secretary Darren Jones.

    The Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves MP said:

    Increasing investment in infrastructure is a vital part of delivering on our number one mission to grow the economy and create jobs.

    Just days after our International Investment Summit, we are delivering on our promise to work with business to drive growth across the country, and the expertise of this Taskforce will be invaluable in the weeks and months ahead.

    Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones MP said:

    We are serious about ending the cycle of underinvestment that has plagued our infrastructure systems for over a decade. The best way to do that is to design the solution with business in the room. That’s what this taskforce is all about.

    The Taskforce will meet regularly, offering insights that deliver long-lasting solutions for job creation, growth, and environmental goals.

    This builds on the success of the International Investment Summit, which saw hundreds of top international investors attend the event, £63 billion of confirmed investment into Britain, along with the launch of the £27.8 billion turbocharged National Wealth Fund.

    Tracy Blackwell, CEO, PIC said:

    We have a huge amount to invest and we want to invest more in Britain. There is no shortage of capital that can support the British economy’s capacity to grow. The right combination of policies and ideas will unlock that capital and boost growth.  From planning reform and better use of public sector pension funds to a streamlining of institutions and regulations, there is a lot that Government can do to crowd in more private investment and deliver social value. It’s great to be in an ongoing conversation with the Chancellor about taking that agenda forward.

    Andrea Rossi, CEO, M&G plc said:

    M&G has been an active investor in the UK for 175 years. Of the £100 billion M&G invests in the UK, infrastructure remains a core part of delivering sustainable returns for our savers, clients and shareholders. The UK’s clear focus on infrastructure presents a significant opportunity to deliver economic and social progress and we are delighted to contribute our expertise.”  

    Deepa Bharadwaj, Head of Infrastructure Europe, IFM Investors said:

    IFM is a major global infrastructure investor, a major investor in the UK, and is owned by pension funds.

    We look forward to solutions-based discussions that can unlock new investment across UK infrastructure sectors and themes”.

    Stephen Cohen, Chief Product Officer, Blackrock said:

    There’s a rapidly growing pool of capital to invest in infrastructure, but deploying it requires pragmatism in policy. We’re pleased to be working with the government in identifying policies that will support private investment.

    Charlie Nunn, CEO, Lloyds Banking Group said:

    At Lloyds Banking Group, we are committed to helping the UK deliver the infrastructure the country needs, supporting jobs and growth. We welcome the British Infrastructure Taskforce’s focus on increasing investment in UK infrastructure and addressing some of the fundamental barriers that have existed to date. As the UK’s leading bank for project finance, we will work closely with the government in the development of this taskforce, ensuring the work supports communities, businesses, and industries across the regions and nations of the UK.

    Anne Richards, Vice Chair, Fidelity International said:

    We have a shared ambition to drive growth in the UK by unlocking investment in infrastructure for the benefit of savers.  Our best opportunity to achieve that is through collaboration with government and the industry.

    Andy Briggs, CEO, Phoenix Group said: 

    Over the last three decades there has been an underinvestment in the UK economy compared to other developed nations. I am delighted there is a growing consensus that in order to grow we need to work together to invest.

    The British Infrastructure Taskforce provides the opportunity for business and government to work on shared priorities, help finance the social and economic infrastructure the country needs for the future, and give potential for better returns for pension savers.

    The following attendees of the first Taskforce meeting discussed investment opportunities, financial mechanisms, and strategies to maximise economic value:

    • Tracy Blackwell, CEO, Pension Insurance Corporation;
    • Anne Richards, Vice Chair, Fidelity International;
    • Charlie Nunn, CEO, Lloyds Banking;
    • Vivian Nicoli, Managing Director, CDPQ;
    • Andy Briggs, CEO, Phoenix Group;
    • Ian Stuart, CEO, HSBC UK;
    • Andrea Rossi, CEO, M&G;
    • Stephen Cohen, Chief Product Officer, BlackRock (represented by Helen Lees-Jones Global Head of Sustainable & Transition Solutions);
    • Deepa Bharadwaj, Head of Infrastructure Europe, IFM Investors;  
    • Mike Regnier CEO, Santander UK;
    • Sir Douglas Flint, Chairman, ABRDN;
    • Nick Smallwood, CEO, Infrastructure and Projects Authority;
    • James Heath, CEO, National Infrastructure Commission;
    • John Flint, CEO, National Wealth Fund.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: World Menopause Awareness Day 2024

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Friday 18th October marks World Menopause Awareness Day.

    This year, the aim is to raise awareness of Hormone Replacement therapy (HRT) and to highlight where people can go to get support and discuss options.

    Menopause is a natural process which is when periods stop due to lower hormone levels.  

    The perimenopause is when there are menopause symptoms, but periods have not stopped.

    It is the beginning of a loss of oestrogen and progesterone hormones. On average, perimenopause starts at 46 years and the average age of menopause in the UK is 51.

    Menopause is when someone has not had a period for 12 months. Both perimenopause and menopause can happen at a younger age. Some trans and non-binary people may also go through menopause due to changes in hormones.

    The most common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause are:

    • Hot flushes and night sweats
    • Sleep disturbance (although this can be due to other things)
    • Fatigue
    • Brain fog and poor concentration
    • Skin changes
    • Mood related symptoms including depression and anxiety (these symptoms can also have other causes)
    • Vaginal dryness, itching, burning and pain during sex
    • Urinary problems (this again can be linked with other causes)

    Some have minimal symptoms, but for others the symptoms can have a big impact on their life, including health, relationships and work. A national survey of 2,000 women aged 40 to 60 years found that 20 per cent of women have considered leaving work due to a lack of support in relation to their menopause symptoms.

    In Liverpool, GP practices can help people with access expert support and menopausal care.

    Eating well, exercising and prioritising mental wellbeing can help with symptoms.

    The main medicine treatment is replacing missing hormones.

    HRT is safe and effective for most and can help relieve most symptoms and GPs will always discuss the risks of taking it – although these are usually outweighed by the benefits.

    There are many different types of HRT available, and a personal assessment will help determine the best type for you if you want to use HRT to manage symptoms.

    Liverpool City Council’s Assistant Cabinet Member for Health, Councillor Rahima Farah, said:

    “Menopause is a natural stage of life. We want everyone to feel comfortable talking about the menopause and to know that there is help and support available to manage symptoms through your GP practice.”

    Consultant in Sexual & Reproductive Health at Liverpool Women’s Hospital, and former Chair of the British Menopause Society (BMS), Dr Paula Briggs, said:

    Liverpool Women’s Hospital Menopause Academy has supported many GPs, nurses and healthcare professionals in Liverpool with additional training in menopause management and we also provide ongoing mentorship to improve access to the best menopause care without women having to wait for a hospital referral. We encourage you to access this support from your GP practice.”

    Director of Public Health, Professor Matthew Ashton, said: It is important that we talk about menopause openly. There are good evidence-based resources available about how organisations can support people going through perimenopause and menopause, and I encourage all organisations to consider how their workplace can become menopause friendly.       

    For more information visit:

    https://www.local.gov.uk/our-support/workforce-and-hr-support/wellbeing/menopause/menopause-factfile

    http://www.womens-health-concern.org

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    A BROAD and diverse programme of activities has been revealed in Dundee as the city once again supports one of the world’s biggest campaigns on preventing violence against women and girls.
    The Dundee Violence Against Women Partnership has created a series of events which will run during 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, a global campaign to inspire people to learn, reflect and act to end violence against women.
    This year the centrepiece of the city’s response will be the theme Imagine if Dundee said: “No More”, with the sub-strands stand with us, learn with us and believe us.
    Ann Hamilton who is the Independent Adviser on Violence Against Women to the city’s Protecting People Chief Officers’ group and committees said: “While it would be great not to have to highlight the issue of violence against women and girls each year, one of the key things to help us get there is to make sure that those who have experienced it are believed and endorsed.
    “That’s what 16 Days of Activism is focussed on this year in Dundee, with one of the biggest and most diverse programmes we have put on to date.
    “As well as thought-provoking, energising and entertaining events for the public to enjoy or participate in, there is a detailed series of activities for professionals working in the field to enhance and extend their knowledge in areas like abusive cultural practices and understanding domestic abuse.”
    The 16 Days programme will launch on Monday November 18 at the Hilltown Community Centre with the first of a number of travelling roadshows which will include an information session featuring the bystander approach, a conversation café, creative session (including banner making) and a dance workshop with Urban Moves that will include the option to take part in the finale show on December 10.
    Travelling roadshows will also visit other community venues throughout the 16 Days including Kirkton, Finmill and Douglas community centres and YMCA Broughty Ferry.
    On Monday November 25 WRASAC will be teaming up with the V&A for an evening of information about WRASAC and the difference it makes for survivors in Dundee and Angus. Team members will be sharing feedback and looking at how WRASAC has formed over the last 40 years.
    The Reclaim the Night march takes place on Friday November 29 starting at The Steeple Church at 6.30pm with a rallying cry before returning to the venue for speeches and music.
    On Friday December 6 Women’s Aid will be at Cake and Dice in Commercial Street to share more about their history in a relaxing, safe and welcoming environment. Guests can add to their local timeline spotlighting milestones for women and amplifying the voices of lived experience in Dundee..
    Open to everyone throughout the 16 Days of Activism, The Lady Chapel of St Paul’s Cathedral in High Street will be available as a quiet space for reflection with resources for contemplation and support on hand.
    Activities will conclude on Tuesday December 10 at Abertay University Main Lecture Theatre in Bell Street with Together We Stand: A Creative Call for Change which will see an evening filled with positive messages, hope and strength and will include Urban Moves, Pirrie Performing Arts, Tori Barclay School of Dance and MLU Squad.
    Full details of this year’s programme of events in Dundee for 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence can be found at:  https://sway.cloud.microsoft/rhZUto3jPfMcEV1Y?ref=Link

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Liverpool to stage major conference on tackling hate crime

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Last updated:

    Liverpool will host a major conference today (Friday, 18 October) that will explore the reasons that led to the riots following the fatal stabbings in Southport in August.

    The “Hate Crime Together” conference, the first of its kind in the city region this decade, will also look at the events that led to the riots in the city which culminated in the torching of Spellow Library in Walton.

    Held in the Merseyside Maritime Museum, in the Royal Albert Dock, the event will be led by Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell who will address delegates with a keynote speech emphasising the work to reject those that sow and spread hatred and division.

    Emily will also be joined by speakers such as Rose Simkins, CEO of StopHateUK and Kaushik Mistry, CEO of the Anthony Walker Foundation, with the conference the final event in the region to mark National Hate Crime Awareness Week.

    Many delegates at the conference will also be wearing red in honour of Show Racism the Red Card day.

    Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety, will also set out a pledge for all major partners across the city region to deliver on three key commitments:

    1. Raise awareness and challenge hate-based behaviour in order to advance equality, diversity, and inclusion across the Liverpool City Region.
    2. Increase confidence to report hate crime to the police and partners.
    3. Provide consistent and effective support for victims by promoting collaboration across all agencies.

    The event brings more than 100 partners together to focus on how they can work collaboratively to tackle hate and make communities safer.

    Merseyside Police and all five local authorities, as well as Victim Care Merseyside support services and other third sector services, will re-confirm the region’s commitment to reducing hate crime, sharing experience and knowledge.

    In light of the recent disorder in the summer, additional hate crime awareness sessions have been planned for Black and ethnic minority groups and associations to provide extra support and reassurance. 

    There has also been various workshops in primary and secondary schools, colleges, job centres, councils, and LGBTQ+ and disability community groups to increase awareness of the support available.

    Rose Simkins, CEO of StopHateUK, said: “During the recent riots, many became more aware of the dangers of hate, but at Stop Hate UK, we see these risks every day. That’s why we’re here to support victims and witnesses of hate crime 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Thanks to funding from Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner, we’re able to continue providing this vital service to those in need. Stop Hate UK is pleased to be a part of this conference, bringing partners together to share experiences and work towards making our communities safer.”

    Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “Tackling hate crime is a priority for me, so I am incredibly pleased to be opening the LCR Tackling Hate Crime Together conference and pledging my continued support to preventing and reducing hate crime, improving the support for victims and making our communities safer, happier places to live.

    “Sadly, the appalling scenes of violence and disorder recently here on Merseyside were clearly manipulated and motivated by racism and islamophobia. They are a stark reminder of why we must do everything possible to tackle hate in all its despicable forms, standing together to send out a message that hate is not welcome here.

    “I look forward to uniting with partners at this event to share learning, experiences and best practice to further strengthen the work which is taking place across the region to tackle hate crime and make our communities safer.”

    Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for Community Safety, said: “What we all witnessed across the UK in the wake of tragic of events in Southport highlighted how much work needs to be done to tackle racism in our communities.

    “Ignorance fuels hatred and the way to combat that is through education – at all levels with all ages. We must stretch every sinew to ensure people know that such behaviour will never be tolerated and highlight at every opportunity why such views are just wrong.

    “It’s hugely encouraging to see so many partners come together from right across the region to unite and join our collective forces with the pledge to redouble our efforts in how we tackle hate crime and to reassure all minority groups – be that race, gender, faith – that they have our full support in stamping such behaviour out.”

    Detective Superintendent Joe Marston, Hate Crime Lead for Merseyside Police, said: “We are dedicated to addressing hate crime because we understand the significant impact it can have on our victims and our communities.

    “It’s great to be part of this conference where, along with our partners, we can showcase the efforts being made to combat different forms of hate crime and the support options available. This event is also an important opportunity to emphasise the importance of reporting hate crime and to listen to victims sharing their experiences. This will help educate us on how to increase the confidence of others to come forward in the future.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Blog | Pioneering community cultural engagement in Liverpool

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Liverpool City Council’s Culture Liverpool team have joined forces with the arts organisation Metal to push the boundaries of mass, cultural participation events. Metal’s Director Jenny Porter tells us more.

    Picton Play is a programme of resident engagement that focuses on communities in Toxteth, Wavertree, the Smithdown Road area, Edge Hill and Kensington.

    The programme organised by the arts organisation – Metal – starts by looking at what’s already in the community and then develops different ways to encourage participation.

    One strand was with Josh Coates, a performance-based artist, who held a listening residency at the ASDA car park on Smithdown Road. Next, came two further residencies, one on the 86 bus route with Nicki McCubbing and one in Wavertree Botanic Park with Andrea Ku.

    The residencies afforded artists the freedom to explore spaces in our neighbourhoods not usually associated with creativity and to connect with local businesses and community groups such as Arriva and the Friends of Botanic Park.

    The next phase of the project will be a co-production with a community decision-making board of local residents, affectionately known as The Mystery Dreamers. The group is named after Wavertree Park, which is known locally as The Mystery as it was donated to the City by an anonymous city well-wisher.

    The plan is to produce an ambitious mass-participatory artwork, which will engage local residents. It’s an experiment in cultural democracy that pushes boundaries and forges new relationships between artists, arts organisations and communities at a neighbourhood level.

    The project puts the creative decisions into the hands of the residents. The outcome will celebrate the creativity of Picton’s residents in a playful way, using the theme of mysteries and mythologies that lie beneath the surface.

    The outcome will be a model for inclusive and innovative mass-participatory performance practice, that will go beyond artistic expression, with the potential to shape and enhance the social fabric of this community.

    For Metal, as a national organisation, Picton Play acts as a testing platform for our sites in Southend and Peterborough. We have a fantastic relationship with Liverpool City Council who give us the freedom to experiment, and the people of Liverpool are so warm and generous with their time, as well as being wonderfully creative with their ideas.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Women’s health campaigner Mariella Frostrup appointed as Government Menopause Employment Ambassador

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Ambassador to work with employers to help women experiencing menopause symptoms to stay in work and progress in their careers.

    • Leading campaigner and broadcaster Mariella Frostrup appointed as Government’s new Menopause Employment Ambassador.
    • Appointment comes alongside measures in the Employment Rights Bill requiring large employers to produce plans on how they will support employees through the menopause.

    Journalist and women’s equality campaigner, Mariella Frostrup, has been appointed as the government’s new Menopause Employment Ambassador.

    The voluntary role will see Mariella working closely with employers across the country to improve workplace support for women experiencing the menopause, raise awareness of the symptoms and champion the economic contributions of women. A key focus will be helping women going through the menopause stay in work and progress in their careers.

    Almost 70% of women aged 40 to 60 in employment experiencing menopausal symptoms report this has a negative effect on them at work, and just over 50% are unable to go into work at some point due to menopause symptoms.

    With decades of experience championing women’s rights and gender equality across the world, with passionate advocacy for increased awareness of the symptoms of menopause, Mariella brings a powerful and unique voice to the Department for Work and Pensions.

    Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said:

    If we are going to get our country growing again, we have to make sure that everyone feels they can thrive at work. I know from personal experience how hard it can be for women going through menopause.

    I’m so thrilled that Mariella will be working with us to bring her years of knowledge and experience on this issue, so we can make sure that all women experiencing menopause symptoms get the support they need at work.

    Menopause Employment Ambassador, Mariella Frostrup said:

    I’m honoured and delighted to be appointed as the Government’s Menopause Employment Ambassador and to start working towards this government’s stated goal of creating fair and equitable workplaces for all.

    The loss of one in ten women from the workplace, often at the height of their professional careers, is damaging our economy and causing unnecessary suffering due to lack of information and support during this perfectly natural and manageable phase of life.

    I’m excited to get started and continue the important work done by my predecessor Helen Tomlinson to engage with businesses small and large and find solutions to what continues to be a gender specific inequity.

    Baroness Merron, Minister for Patient Safety, Women’s Health and Mental Health, said:

    I am delighted that Mariella Frostrup has been appointed into this important role. I look forward to working with her to champion women’s health and improve menopause support, alongside the Women’s Health Ambassador for England, Professor Dame Lesley Regan.

    We know there is a long way to go in improving support for women experiencing menopause, particularly in the workplace, and this government is committed to providing the care and support for all women to thrive.

    Janet Lindsay, Chief Executive of Wellbeing of Women:

    We are delighted that Mariella has been appointed as the new Menopause Employment Ambassador. As Wellbeing of Women’s ambassador and in her wider work, Mariella has been a tireless campaigner working to raise awareness of the need to support women going through the menopause in all areas of life.

    We look forward to working with her to help all employers become more menopause friendly, especially those who often struggle to do so, such as small to medium businesses and those employing women who cannot work remotely.

    This appointment comes as the government has proposed a wide-ranging set of generational reforms to boost protections for workers, including women experiencing menopause symptoms at work. The policy proposals in the Employment Rights Bill would require large employers to produce Menopause Action Plans on how they will support employees through the menopause.

    Further Information

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why the Tories may be wasting their time trying to compete with Reform

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Paul Whiteley, Professor, Department of Government, University of Essex

    The spectre of the Reform party has been haunting the Tories since the general election. There is a general consensus that Reform split the vote on the right of the ideological spectrum, and this significantly contributed to the Tory defeat.

    And now that the more centrist candidate James Cleverly has been eliminated from the leadership contest, the party is heading in a rightward direction. Both of the two finalists, Robert Jenrick and Kemi Badenock are on the right of the party and appear to think the next election will hinge on winning votes back from Reform.

    But are they right to see Reform as their main threat? The results of the last election are still being analysed but it already looks like our perception of how the rightwing vote played out may be wrong. The perception is that in many constituencies, Reform ate into votes that would have otherwise gone to the Conservatives, costing them parliamentary seats. But that isn’t quite right.

    The chart below shows the relationship between the vote shares for the Conservatives and Reform in Britain in the general election, with each dot representing a constituency. The summary line shows that the correlation between the Reform vote and the Conservative vote is positive (+0.21). This means that the two parties were in effect electoral allies rather than rivals. Their vote shares increased in tandem. To be fair, the correlation is modest, so they were rather weak allies, but who can ask for more than that in this electoral climate?

    It’s interesting to contrast this with the relationship between Labour and Conservative voting in the election. Their correlation was strong and negative (-0.54), indicating that they were clearly rivals. When Labour did well, the Conservatives did badly and vice versa. If Reform was a strong rival to the Conservatives, we would see the same pattern.

    Rivals or allies? Constituency level votes

    The Relationship between Conservative and Reform Vote Shares in 2024.
    P Whiteley, CC BY-ND

    Why does the positive correlation show that Reform was an ally of the Conservatives in the election rather than a rival taking votes that would have gone to the Conservatives? The answer lies in the detail. The two parties did well in the same constituencies but appealed to different demographic groups within those constituencies. If they were campaigning for support in the same group of voters they would be rivals, but for the most part they relied on support from different groups.

    This is illustrated in the chart below which looks at the social characteristics of constituencies using data from the 2021 census. It shows how different groups supported the two parties in the election.

    The chart shows the correlations between the size of a particular group and voting for Reform and the Conservatives in the election. It looks at the 575 parliamentary constituencies in England and Wales, since the Scottish data is not yet available.

    The relationships between constituency characteristics and voting in 2024

    Less in common than you might think.
    P Whiteley, CC BY-NC-ND

    We observe large differences between support for the two parties among the different groups. For example, looking at the percentage of people in constituencies over the age of 64, most of whom were retired, we see a big difference. There is a strong positive correlation between this measure and voting Conservative (0.45), indicating that the Tories did well among older people. The opposite is true for Reform, since the relationship is negative (although relatively weak at -0.17). Reform did not rely on older people’s support in the same way as the Conservatives.

    Want more politics coverage from academic experts? Every week, we bring you informed analysis of developments in government and fact check the claims being made.

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    A similar point can be made about the percentages who worked in professional and higher management occupations. The Tories did well in this group, whereas Reform did badly. Among constituencies with high levels of unemployment, the reverse was true. A high proportion of unemployed people boosted the Reform vote and undermined the Conservative vote.

    If we look at ethnicity, a high proportion of ethnically white people in constituencies helped Reform, but it weakened support for the Conservatives. This seems surprising at first sight until one remembers that many of them voted for Labour, the Liberal Democrats and Greens. The Tories lost a good proportion of the white vote in the election.

    The census provided information about the numbers of people who had moved into constituencies from abroad in the previous year. Not surprisingly, given their anti-immigration positioning, large numbers of newly arrived migrants helped both parties, with Reform doing better in these areas than the Conservatives. That said, the correlations were modest and so did not play a large part in explaining the overall results.



    Read more:
    When did class stop predicting who people vote for in Britain? Know Your Place podcast

    Finally, the 2021 census asked people about their national identities and in this case there was an interesting difference between respondents who claimed they were exclusively “English” rather than ‘British’ or some other identity. Englishness helped both parties, but it helped the Conservatives more than Reform. It appears that the Tories are more of an English National Party than Reform.

    The next general election is a long way off, but these results mean that if the Labour government fails to deliver growth and curb illegal immigration, it will face a pincer movement from the Conservative and Reform. The Tories will pick up votes in constituencies with a high proportion of prosperous, middle class, retired people and Reform will pick up votes from deprived areas with high levels of young unemployed people.

    Paul Whiteley has received funding from the British Academy and the ESRC.

    – ref. Why the Tories may be wasting their time trying to compete with Reform – https://theconversation.com/why-the-tories-may-be-wasting-their-time-trying-to-compete-with-reform-241106

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Our Town Hall: Portraits of a Workforce exhibition

    Source: City of Manchester

    Leah Finch, a Construction Manager for Lendlease

    A new exhibition at Manchester Central Library is set to focus on some of the skilled craftspeople, artisan trades and construction team behind the current transformation of Manchester’s Town Hall.

    Extraordinarily little is known about the artisans who built the Town Hall between 1868 and 1877, and certainly no photographs exist.  

    Fast forward around 150 years and today’s skilled workers are no strangers to the lens of Manchester City Council photographer Barrie Leach, whose visual catalogue captures portraits of those working on the Town Hall since the beginning of the project to repair, restore and refurbish this much-loved building.  

    The exhibition’s focus is to highlight some of the people behind the work. As well as modern construction workers and the behind-the-scenes staff who make it all possible there are some incredible heritage trades involved. Stonemasonry, mosaic making, stained glass repair and manufacture, horology: these are all crafts that would have been widespread in the 1870s but are now very much specialist – and rare – trades.  They are, however, critical to our restoration project.  

    The project to safeguard the building for current and future generations needed hundreds of these time-served tradespeople, who have come together to make the building safe and accessible.   As a result of bringing in these expert professionals, hundreds more Mancunians have had the opportunity to gain – or be inspired by – these skills, through school and work placements, apprenticeships and new jobs. These trainees and employees play a key part in keeping these precious skills alive. 

    Thirty large portraits and 60 smaller contextual images in the exhibition show the pride that the modern team have discovered in being able to lovingly restore, and give new life to, the work of the forgotten workforce who went before them.  

    The exhibition is divided into 10 zones concentrating on the people and work taking place throughout the building where work has been happening including; ground floor and courtyard, interiors, state rooms, Great Hall, Clock Tower, collections, exterior, roof, Albert Square and Albert Memorial, and behind the scenes. 

    As work on the Our Town Hall project continues to bring it up to modern safety standards, improving access to the building and its artefacts, and creating a new visitor attraction, the photographic record is also ongoing: only a small selection of the images is on show in this first exhibition. The full collection will form part of the historical archive, telling the stories of the people who lovingly restored the Town Hall for all to see. 

    The exhibition will run in Manchester Central Library’s first floor exhibition space from Friday 18 October 2024 until June 2025. 

    Councillor Garry Bridges, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council said: “This new exhibition is a celebration of the work taking place behind the Town Hall hoardings which few people have had the privilege to witness.  It is our way of ensuring that today’s artisans will not be forgotten.  Just as the skills of those who helped create the building in the 19th Century have left the city a magnificent legacy, so will today’s project team. Working on this project is a real labour of love.  

    “We knew from the outset that this was going to be a mammoth task, and we wanted to capture and share the journey of all those who have taken part.  We wanted to celebrate the role of all the workers on the team and show as much of the range of trades – modern and not–so–modern – required to complete the transformation of our iconic Town Hall.  The bonus is that – in doing so – we have also created a wonderful visual archive for reference in years and generations to come. We can’t wait to share it with Manchester people and visitors.”  

    Leah Finch, a Construction Manager for Lendlease, started work on the project as an apprentice. She said: “I completely fell into this opportunity, and I’m thankful. I applied through the Government website as I was looking for an apprenticeship.  Every day offers a new reason to have a great day: delivering a meeting, speaking to new people, handing over an element of work or seeing progress in my work areas.   

     It’s given me so much responsibility and accountability. I’m proudest of managing the lower ground floor: co-ordinating all trade work on that level, working through blockers, ensuring a high standard of quality, and ultimately driving for completion.  I feel heard and respected; I am a valued member of the team. The people truly make working on the Town Hall special.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Chief Executive at Together for Children and Children’s Services director.

    Source: City of Sunderland

    A new Chief Executive at Together for Children (TfC) and director of Children’s Services has been appointed.

    Simon Marshall (56) is a former headteacher and has been Sunderland’s Director of Education since 2017. He succeeds TfC’s Chief Executive Jill Colbert OBE who has joined Nottingham City Council.

    As TfC lead and children’s services director, Mr Marshall said he will continue delivering the highest quality children’s social care, education and early help services, all the necessary infrastructure, and leading 1,100 members of staff.

    In its most recent full Ofsted inspection in 2021, TfC and Sunderland Children’s Services were rated as ‘outstanding’. In the last 18 months, Ofsted inspections of children’s homes and child protection plans have also been rated ‘outstanding’ and ‘timely and effective’, respectively.

    Mr Marshall was a headteacher for 12 years before being appointed as the city’s Director of Education. This included being head at Sunderland’s Highfield Primary School where he was recognised nationally for developing innovative school-based mental health services to support children and families. In 2014 he was named School Leader of the year in the National Wellbeing School Awards. 

    The City Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Child Poverty and Skills, Councillor Michael Butler said: “We are delighted to confirm Simon’s appointment as Chief Executive and children’s services director. We all look forward to more work with him and continuing to ensure that we offer and provide the very best for children, young people and families across the city.”

    As education director, Mr Marshall has in the last five years overseen more than £24m of extra investment in Special Educational Needs (SEND) provision, including extra places for more than 250 children and expanded facilities. He has also developed a highly successful school improvements service that delivers training to schools across the city and the North East region.

    Commenting on his new appointment as TfC Chief Executive and children’s services lead, Mr Marshall said: “I want to put on the record a thanks to my predecessor Jill Colbert OBE for the exemplary leadership, team and partnership work that she helped inspire at Together for Children.

    “We will continue to deliver services for all our children and young people so they lead safe, happy, healthy and successful lives, and in a city where they can fulfil and realise their full potential.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City of York Council named most productive council in country

    Source: City of York

    Published Friday, 18 October 2024

    City of York Council has topped a new list of the most productive English councils, meaning that we achieve the highest value for residents per pound of council spending.

    Independent consultancy, IMPOWER, analysed 149 councils across eight core areas using their index. 

    These are the areas where councils spend the most money and include:

    • housing 
    • homelessness 
    • waste and recycling 
    • high needs 
    • children’s social care 
    • working age adults 
    • older adults 
    • health 

    They used nationally available metrics to determine the top 10 and found York is achieving the best outcomes for people, for a relatively low spend.
     
    Leader of City of York Council, Cllr Claire Douglas said:

    “This is fantastic news and testament to the hard work of staff right across the council.

    “York is amongst the lowest funded councils in the country and we’ve long been committed to making the best of what we have in delivering good quality services and value for money for the citizens of York. 

    “Despite a very challenging situation, we pull together and strive for excellence in all we do. We thank our fantastic workforce that continues to make this possible”.
     
    Ian Floyd, Chief Operating Officer of City of York Council, welcomed the news, saying: 

    “I’m extremely proud that, despite the financial challenges, we, and councils across the country are facing, York’s commitment to delivering value for money for our residents has been recognised.

    “Our staff work tirelessly each and every day and the news that we have been named England’s most productive council is testament to their dedication and diligence – I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them for everything that they do.

    “While this achievement is a welcome endorsement of our work, we cannot afford to be complacent and we will continue to work together as one council, delivering for the people of York.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –