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  • MIL-Evening Report: This may be as good as it gets: NZ and Australia face a complicated puzzle when it comes to supermarket prices

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard Meade, Adjunct Associate Professor, Centre for Applied Energy Economics and Policy Research, Griffith University

    Daria Nipot/Shutterstock

    With ongoing cost of living pressures, the Australian and New Zealand supermarket sectors are attracting renewed political attention on both sides of the Tasman.

    Allegations of price gouging have become a political issue in the Australian federal election. At the same time, the New Zealand government has announced that “all options” are on the table to address a lack of competition in the sector – including possible breakup of the existing players.

    But it is not clear breaking up the supermarkets or other government interventions will improve the sector for shoppers and suppliers.

    In 2022, I co-authored a government-commissioned analysis looking at whether New Zealand’s two main supermarket groups should be forced to sell some of their stores to create a third competing chain.

    We found it was possible under some scenarios that breakup could benefit consumers. But key uncertainties and implementation risks meant consumers could lose overall.

    A lot hinges on whether breakup causes supermarkets’ input costs to rise or product variety to fall. Even in more positive scenarios at least some consumers could be left worse off.

    Watchdog concerns

    Competition authorities – the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and New Zealand’s Commerce Commission – have conducted supermarket sector studies. They each expressed concern at significant barriers to entry and expansion in the sector and supermarkets’ resulting high levels of profitability.

    This year, the ACCC concluded margins earned by Australia’s main supermarkets are among the highest of supermarket businesses in comparable countries. Similarly, in 2022 the Commerce Commission found New Zealand’s supermarkets were earning excess profits of around NZ$430m a year.

    While high profits might mean that market power is being abused, it could also mean managers are doing a good job. Or have had a great run of luck. Alternative explanations for high profits would need to be ruled out before putting fingers on regulatory triggers.

    New Zealand’s Finance Minister Nicola Willis says everything is on the table when it comes to addressing the concentration of the supermarket sector.
    Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

    Barriers to entry

    The starting point is to acknowledge that high profits and prices go hand in hand with barriers to entry and challenges in achieving economies of scale.

    In other words, some sectors are less competitive than others simply because a lack of demand or high costs make it unprofitable for additional competitors to either enter or remain in the market.

    Countries like Australia and New Zealand, with low population densities and large service areas, face high costs of nationwide supply. They also face significant shipping distances from other countries. This limits the ability of overseas entrants using their existing buying and supply infrastructures.

    That said, some barriers to entry might be artificial or caused by existing firms stifling new competitors.

    Existing supermarkets in both countries have gained controlling stakes in the land needed to set up new supermarkets – something regulatory settings can prevent.

    Another challenge for new chains is the process of getting planning and land use consents – something policymakers can address.

    This points to key elements of a test for whether supermarkets are charging too much. One is a recognition that there can be natural reasons for limited competition, and unless technologies or consumer preferences change that will remain the case.

    Another is a focus on the things that can be changed – whether at the firm or policy level – in a way that benefits consumers and suppliers. Finally, policymakers need to consider whether the benefits of implementing them outweigh the costs.

    Testing the market

    Building on work developed by Nobel economist Oliver Williamson, a “three-limb test” was used in the 2017 government-commissioned assessment of fuel pricing in New Zealand that I co-authored. The same could be used to assess the supermarket sector.

    That three-limb test asks

    • are there features of the existing industry structure and conduct giving cause for concern
    • can those causes for concern be remedied
    • would the benefits of remedying those concerns outweigh the costs of doing so?

    If the answer to all three limbs is yes, that suggests suppliers are charging too much (or delivering too little) since there are practical ways to improve on the status quo.

    A virtue of such a test is that is can be applied in any sector where there are high firm concentration, barriers to entry and high profit margins.

    Importantly, the test looks beyond just what firms are (or are not) doing and asks whether policy and regulatory settings are ripe for improvements too.

    The test is also pragmatic – it shouldn’t trigger changes unless they are clearly expected to do more good than harm. This is important if interventions are risky, costly or irreversible, especially in sectors that are important to all of us.

    Politicians on both sides of the Tasman are floating the possibility of supermarket breakup, among other possible interventions. The three-limb test helps to identify whether any proposed interventions are a good idea and whether supermarket prices are higher than they need to be.

    Richard Meade co-authored a 2022 study funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment examining the costs and benefits of breaking up New Zealand’s major supermarkets. The views expressed in this article are his own, and do not purport to represent those of any other party or organisation.

    – ref. This may be as good as it gets: NZ and Australia face a complicated puzzle when it comes to supermarket prices – https://theconversation.com/this-may-be-as-good-as-it-gets-nz-and-australia-face-a-complicated-puzzle-when-it-comes-to-supermarket-prices-254987

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Election meme hits and duds – we’ve graded some of the best (and worst) of the campaign so far

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By T.J. Thomson, Senior Lecturer in Visual Communication & Digital Media, RMIT University

    As Australia begins voting in the federal election, we’re awash with political messages.

    While this of course includes the typical paid ads in newspapers and on TV (those ones with the infamously fast-paced “authorised by” postscripts), political parties and lobby groups now compete especially hard for our attention online.

    And, if there’s one thing internet users love, it’s a good meme.

    Indeed, as far back as two elections ago, in the 2019 campaign, the Liberal Party discovered the power of so-called “boomer memes”, and harnessed them effectively to help secure a third term in government.

    The other parties have since caught on though, and are battling hard to win the messaging war in a way that will resonate with voters, especially those who are inclined to ignore a typical political advertisement.

    What makes a good meme?

    The best political communication often contains a few key elements.

    First, it should be developed with a clear understanding of context, purpose and audience. If the target audience can’t get the message pretty much straight away, then it’s not much good.

    It should also spark some sort of emotional reaction. It should make voters feel something and motivate them to act, or change their voting intention.

    When it comes to political memes in particular, they need to make some clear reference to widely known cultural material. This might be a trending event in popular culture, or fit into an established meme format.

    And, of course, the best memes are fun. As the quote, often attributed to American funnyman Andy Kaufman, goes: “if you can make someone laugh, you can make them think”.

    Below, we have collected some of the major Australian political parties’ recent efforts on the meme front during the 2025 election campaign, and assessed their effectiveness. We graded them from “A” for best down to “D” for worst.

    Grading political messages

    We’ll start with the “diss track” the Liberals released earlier this month.

    We’d give this one a “D” grade. It focuses heavily on cost of living and might spark an emotional reaction from voters who feel pain when going to the shops. But, it’s highly unlikely to hit the mark, given it was released on a minor platform, and rap music (with its Black American roots) doesn’t exactly gel with the Liberal Party’s overall image and ethos.

    One SoundCloud user probably best summed up the vibe here, by referencing another famous internet meme: “how do you do, fellow kids?”



    Read more:
    Why the Coalition’s tone-deaf diss track was bound to hit all the wrong notes

    The Liberals did much better, however, with their version of the popular AI action figure trend that’s sweeping the Internet.

    We’d give this one a solid “B+.” It features some clever one-liners, makes use of a current trend, and makes its point easily and quickly. We knock a few points off for the redundant focus on “cheaper power” This would have been better as two separate issues rather than repeating one twice.

    Instead, we give Labor’s version a “C-”.

    It looks only barely like the prime minister. He is shown as neutral rather than smiling. And the accessories chosen feel forced.

    Although both memes tap into a trend, their shelf life will likely be short. This is in contrast to political ads like the below.

    Rather than jump on the latest, short-lived trend, this ad draws on cultural material that’s more than three decades old but considered classic. The juxtaposition of a widely seen children’s cartoon with a political ad provides a surprising contrast. And the strategic editing drew more than a few giggles out of us.

    We’d give this one an “A-.” It still relies on audio, which is often disabled by default, to get its point across but is solid, overall.

    This ad by the Greens, however, misses the mark.

    We like Lady Gaga as much as the next person, but the cultural connection here seems dated and forced. Rather than focus on one key message, the ad instead mentions five separate policy positions. It also doesn’t work without audio. We’d give it a “C-.”

    The Labor Party had more of a hit with this meme, though:

    It appropriates the Venn diagram, a well-established meme format, which requires a degree of creativity and intelligence to pull off successfully. It makes a clear point, but also doesn’t bash its audience around the head with it. So, we’d give this a “B+”.

    One of the best memes we’ve seen recently, however, comes from a Facebook page connected to The Greens:

    The Simpsons has become a kind of lingua franca of the internet over the last decade or more, and has been the genesis of many, many popular memes, including during the last federal election.

    This meme not only taps into that existing internet culture, and gestures towards one of the show’s sweetest-ever moments in recounting the circumstances of Maggie’s birth, but also cleverly draws on and repurposes one of the attack lines being used against the Greens (“Can’t vote Greens. Not this time”) by the lobby group Advance Australia. It’s a clever piece of communication and one of the few “A”-grade memes we’ve encountered in the campaign so far.

    Your turn

    Keep an eye on the memes you encounter in the next few weeks in the lead-up to the election on May 3. Which ones do you find effective and why?

    But memes are only part of the story. Also consider the positions of the candidates and parties and their substantive policies. Memes, good or bad, can only go so far.

    T.J. Thomson receives funding from the Australian Research Council. He is an affiliated researcher with the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making & Society.

    Stephen Harrington receives funding from the Australian Research Council, for the Discovery Project ‘Understanding and Combatting “Dark Political Communication”‘. He has made occasional donations to candidates for The Australian Greens.

    – ref. Election meme hits and duds – we’ve graded some of the best (and worst) of the campaign so far – https://theconversation.com/election-meme-hits-and-duds-weve-graded-some-of-the-best-and-worst-of-the-campaign-so-far-254709

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why AUKUS remains the right strategy for the future defence of Australia

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jennifer Parker, Adjunct Fellow, Naval Studies at UNSW Canberra, and Expert Associate, National Security College, Australian National University

    Australian strategic thinking has long struggled to move beyond a narrow view of defence that focuses solely on protecting our shores. However, in today’s world, our economy could be crippled without an enemy boot stepping foot on Australian soil.

    Australia’s acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines through AUKUS marks a shift in this mindset.

    It is not a strategy in itself, but a structural pivot: a recognition that our vital interests lie far beyond the coastline, and that defending them requires Australia to project its maritime power.

    Protecting our vital sea lanes

    Over a century ago, US naval officer Alfred Thayer Mahan observed that “wars are won by the economic strangulation of the enemy from the sea”.

    While not universally true, this maxim is directly relevant to an island nation like Australia – 99% of our international trade moves by sea.

    But not just any trade – our critical supplies of fuel, fertiliser and ammunition all come by sea. Australia’s economy and defences would be crippled if these things were stopped at sea.

    These vulnerabilities are compounded by our growing dependence on undersea cables for communications.

    Strategic concepts that rely on making Australia’s territory a hard target, such as the “strategic defensive”, fail to grapple with this reality, perpetuating a flawed understanding of how to defend Australia.

    Viewing Australia’s interests solely through the lens of avoiding or defeating a territorial attack overlooks the reality that an adversary could cripple the nation far more easily through the maritime, space or cyber domains.

    The ability to project power in the seas and oceans far from Australia’s shores is critical to protecting these seaborne supply lines and sustaining the national economy. This is where AUKUS comes in – the endurance and range of nuclear-powered submarines are a key element.

    Developing a future maritime strategy

    Australia’s future nuclear-powered submarines would make adversary naval task groups vulnerable if they threatened our maritime trade routes.

    Much more is needed, however, to deliver a coherent maritime strategy. This includes:

    • expanding our surface combatant fleet

    • addressing the vulnerability of Australia’s limited number of resupply, mine warfare and hydrographic vessels

    • and resolving longstanding issues around our strategic fleet (commercial ships that could be requisitioned in a time of crisis).

    We must also expand our flagged merchant shipping fleet by reforming the Australian International Shipping Register. And we must strengthen our domestic maritime security through the establishment of a national coastguard.

    But AUKUS, as the centrepiece of our future undersea capability, is a good start.

    AUKUS’ critics

    AUKUS has attracted plenty of criticism — particularly following the new Trump administration’s moves away from the US’ traditional allies in Europe.

    Yet, despite claims the three-phase AUKUS submarine plan is failing, it remains remarkably on track.

    Like any complex defence acquisition, it carries risks. These risks include the continued political will to keep the deal on track, as well as the workforce, delivery schedule and cost pressures that come with building the submarines.

    But the relevant question is not whether risks exist — if that were the test, most defence programs wouldn’t proceed. The question is whether the risks around AUKUS are being effectively mitigated.

    And as the three phases of the AUKUS deal progress, these risks will continue to evolve. Australia must remain focussed on addressing them.

    Political will is firm

    The political risk has been most salient recently, given the Trump administration’s actions on Europe, Ukraine, foreign aid and tariffs. But while these disruptions are significant, they were largely foreshadowed.

    By contrast, the political signals coming out of Washington around AUKUS have been overwhelmingly positive. This is because AUKUS is in the US’ strategic interests as much as it is in Australia’s interests.

    Importantly, the political commitment to AUKUS in Canberra, Washington and London has already been demonstrated.

    The “optimal pathway” to guide the agreement into the 2030s was signed within 18 months of AUKUS’ launch in September 2021. And the AUKUS treaty that enables the US and UK to transfer nuclear submarine technology and equipment to Australia has since been signed and entered into force among all three partners.

    In Australia, bipartisan support has held for over three years, with no sign of weakening.

    Australia’s importance to the US

    Many critics have also focused on the risks posed by the US submarine industrial base and its ability to build nuclear-powered submarines quickly enough.

    The US would need to increase its production rate to two Virginia-class submarines per year by 2028 – and subsequently to 2.33 submarines per year – in order to reach the target US fleet of 66 submarines by 2054.

    But this does not preclude the sale of three Virginia-class submarines to Australia in the early 2030s. Australia is not just a recipient of submarines from the US — it will help enable the US’ undersea operations in the region.

    Our role as a rotational hub for US submarines and the longstanding support we can offer the US fleet through facilities such as the Harold E. Holt submarine communications station makes our contribution far more valuable than the notional loss of three submarines on paper.

    Could this change in the future? Like all international arrangements, of course it could. But there is no indication at present that it will.

    The defence of Australia is not simply about protecting our continent from attack — it is about safeguarding vital national interests. For an island nation, that means securing maritime trade routes and undersea infrastructure.

    Even for those concerned about the extremely unlikely prospect of invasion, a robust maritime strategy also enables threats to be defeated well before they reach our shores.

    Through its emphasis on maritime power projection, AUKUS reflects a fundamental shift in how we think about defending Australia in the decades ahead.

    This is the final part of a series on the future of defence in Australia. Read the other stories here.

    Jennifer Parker is a 20-year veteran of the Royal Australian Navy.

    – ref. Why AUKUS remains the right strategy for the future defence of Australia – https://theconversation.com/why-aukus-remains-the-right-strategy-for-the-future-defence-of-australia-254985

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Markets are choppy. What should you do with your super if you are near retirement?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Natalie Peng, Lecturer in Accounting, The University of Queensland

    Shutterstock

    For Australians approaching retirement, recent market volatility may feel like more than just a bump in the road.

    Unlike younger investors, who have time on their side, retirees don’t have the luxury of waiting out downturns. A sharp dip just before, or as you begin drawing down your superannuation, can leave lasting damage.

    It’s not just about watching your super balance dip.

    The real danger comes if you need to start withdrawing funds during a slump. Doing so can lock in losses and make it harder for your remaining savings to recover. The timing of poor market returns is known in finance circles as “sequencing risk”. And it can shorten the life of your retirement savings.

    What’s going on in markets?

    So far in 2025, global shares as measured by the MSCI World Index have fallen 4.6%. Concerns over stubborn inflation and trade tensions that will hurt growth are keeping investors on edge.

    If your superannuation is in a “balanced” option, with diversified investments in stocks, bonds, private markets and cash, your balance will have fallen by less than this amount.

    Zoom out and the story looks better. Over the past year, total returns for the MSCI index remain strong, up 6.5%.

    It’s a reminder that downturns are often followed by rebounds. We saw this during the COVID crash in 2020, when markets plummeted, only to recover more than 50% over the following year.

    Still, for those nearing retirement, the timing of these dips matters more than the averages. Uncertainty makes planning all the more crucial.

    Is your super still in high gear?

    Many Australians don’t know exactly how their super is invested. Most people are in default “balanced” or “lifecycle” options, which automatically shift from high-growth assets like shares to safer investments like bonds and cash as retirement approaches.

    A lifecycle option in super will automatically adjust your investments as you age.
    Darren Baker/Shutterstock

    This design helps cushion your balance from big market hits as you near retirement. But if you’ve chosen a high-growth option or haven’t reviewed your investment settings in years, you could still be heavily exposed to volatility.

    In that case, now’s the time to consider your options:

    • delay retirement by a year or two to give your portfolio time to recover

    • move to part-time work instead of retiring fully, reducing how much super you need to draw down

    • review your budget. You can’t control the markets, but you can control your spending plans.

    Don’t panic – reacting emotionally can cost you

    When markets fall, it’s natural to feel the urge to switch your portfolio mix from stocks into cash. But this can turn temporary losses into permanent ones.

    Instead, consider more measured steps. Transition-to-retirement strategies let you draw a partial income while keeping most of your super invested.

    Annuities – which offer guaranteed income for life or a fixed term – are another option. Newer products also address longevity risk, which is the risk of outliving your savings.

    What does a 5% drop really mean?

    Let’s say you’re 65 and have a super balance of A$200,000 (for men, that’s roughly the median; for women, it’s lower due to factors like lower lifetime earnings and career breaks).

    Long-term returns may be lower than in recent years.
    Shutterstock

    A 5% fall translates to a $10,000 loss. That might not seem huge, but if you were planning to draw down 5% of your balance annually – about $10,000 a year – that loss could effectively wipe out an entire year’s retirement income.

    It doesn’t stop there. If left invested, that $10,000 could have continued to grow. Over a 20-year retirement, and assuming a 5% annual return, that $10,000 could have grown to over $26,000.

    For retirees with smaller super balances or higher withdrawal rates, the impact of a market dip can be even more significant.

    Many experts now expect long-term returns to be more modest than in recent decades. Ageing populations, climate change and shifting global dynamics are likely to weigh on growth.

    This makes it even more important to avoid switching entirely into cash, which can erode your savings through inflation over what could be a 20- or 30-year retirement.

    A smarter path to retirement

    The best approach is to gradually shift your investments in the years leading up to retirement – not all at once in response to a market dip. Lifecycle options do this automatically, but if you’re managing your super yourself, it’s worth getting advice.

    Your super fund’s website likely offers tools and calculators to help. ASIC’s MoneySmart retirement planner is another great resource. And don’t underestimate the value of calling your fund to ask:

    • How is my super invested?

    • Does this match my age and risk tolerance?

    • What are my options if I want to make changes?

    The bottom line

    Retiring in a volatile market isn’t easy, but panic isn’t a plan. By understanding your investment mix, taking advantage of flexible retirement strategies, and seeking advice when needed, you can navigate uncertainty more confidently.

    Planning for retirement isn’t about avoiding all risk – it’s about managing it. With the right tools and mindset, you can stay on course, even when markets wobble.



    Read more:
    How much do you need to retire? It’s probably a lot less than you think

    Natalie Peng 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. Markets are choppy. What should you do with your super if you are near retirement? – https://theconversation.com/markets-are-choppy-what-should-you-do-with-your-super-if-you-are-near-retirement-255017

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for April 24, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on April 24, 2025.

    The ocean can look deceptively calm – until it isn’t. Here’s what ‘hazardous surf’ really means
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Samuel Cornell, PhD Candidate, Beach Safety Research Group, School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney Over the Easter weekend, seven people drowned along the Australian coast. Most were swept off rock platforms – extremely dangerous locations that are increasingly prevalent in Australia’s coastal fatality data. The weather was

    The major parties have announced their plans to address domestic and family violence. How do they stack up?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Fitz-Gibbon, Professor (Practice), Faculty of Business and Economics, Monash University In the past week, at least seven women have been killed in Australia, allegedly by men. These deaths have occurred in different contexts – across state borders, communities and relationships. But are united by one truth:

    The biggest losers: how Australians became the world’s most enthusiastic gamblers
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wayne Peake, Adjunct research fellow, School of Humanities and Communication Arts, Western Sydney University The story goes that the late billionaire Australian media magnate Kerry Packer once visited a Las Vegas casino, where a Texan was bragging about his ranch and how many millions it was worth.

    A golden era for personalized medicine is approaching, but are we ready?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nazia Pathan, PhD, Postdoctoral Researcher, Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University Biobanks have become some of the most transformative tools in medical research, enabling scientists to study the relationships between genes, health and disease on an unprecedented scale (Piqsels/Siyya) If there’s a disease that seems to run

    The billions spent on NZ’s accommodation supplement is failing to make rent affordable – so what will?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Edward Yiu, Associate Professor, School of Business, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Pixelbliss/Shutterstock New Zealand’s unaffordable housing market has left many low and middle-income families reliant on the accommodation supplement to cover rent and mortgage payments. But our new research has found the scheme, which costs

    Fossil teeth show extinct giant kangaroos spent their lives close to home – and perished when the climate changed
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christopher Laurikainen Gaete, PhD Candidate, University of Wollongong Chris Laurikainen Gaete Large kangaroos today roam long distances across the outback, often surviving droughts by moving in mobs to find new food when pickings are slim. But not all kangaroos have been this way. In new research published

    The billions spent on NZ’s accomodation supplement is failing to make rent affordable – so what will?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Edward Yiu, Associate Professor, School of Business, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Pixelbliss/Shutterstock New Zealand’s unaffordable housing market has left many low and middle-income families reliant on the accommodation supplement to cover rent and mortgage payments. But our new research has found the scheme, which costs

    The gambling industry has women in its sights. Why aren’t policymakers paying attention?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Simone McCarthy, Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Commercial Determinants of Health, Deakin University Wpadington/Shutterstock Whatever the code, whatever the season, Australian sports fans are bombarded with gambling ads. Drawing on Australians’ passion, loyalty and pride for sport, the devastating health and social consequences of gambling – including financial

    When ‘equal’ does not mean ‘the same’: Liberals still do not understand their women problem
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Carol Johnson, Emerita Professor, Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Adelaide “Women’s” issues are once again playing a significant role in the election debate as Labor and the Liberals trade barbs over which parties’ policies will benefit women most. In the latest salvo, the opposition

    Tremors, seizures and paralysis: this brain disorder is more common than multiple sclerosis – but often goes undiagnosed
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Benjamin Scrivener, PhD Candidate, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Kateryna Kon/Shutterstock Imagine suddenly losing the ability to move a limb, walk or speak. You would probably recognise this as a medical emergency and get to hospital. Now imagine the doctors

    The origin story of the Anzac biscuit is largely myth – but that shouldn’t obscure the history of women during the war
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Garritt C. Van Dyk, Senior Lecturer in History, University of Waikato Australian Comforts Fund buffet in Longueval, France, 1916. Australian War Memorial The Anzac biscuit is a cultural icon, infused with mythical value, representing the connection between women on the home front and soldiers serving overseas during

    Politics with Michelle Grattan: historian Frank Bongiorno on dramatic shifts in how elections are fought and won
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra This election has been lacklustre, without the touch of excitement of some past campaigns. Through the decades, campaigning has changed dramatically, adopting new techniques and technologies. This time, we’ve seen politicians try to jump onto viral podcasts. To discuss old

    Albanese government announces $1.2 billion plan to purchase critical minerals
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra A re-elected Albanese government will take the unprecedented step of buying or obtaining options over key critical minerals to protect Australia’s national interest and boost its economic resilience. The move follows US President Donald Trump’s ordering a review into American

    Why special measures to boost Fiji women’s political representation remain a distant goal
    RNZ Pacific Despite calls from women’s groups urging the government to implement policies to address the underrepresentation of women in politics, the introduction of temporary special measures (TSM) to increase women’s political representation in Fiji remains a distant goal. This week, leader of the Social Democratic Liberal Party (Sodelpa), Cabinet Minister Aseri Radrodro, and opposition

    Albanese government announces $1.2 billion in plan to purchase critical minerals
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra A re-elected Albanese government will take the unprecedented step of buying or obtaining options over key critical minerals to protect Australia’s national interest and boost its economic resilience. The move follows US President Donald Trump’s ordering a review into American

    Flooding incidents in Ghana’s capital are on the rise. Researchers chase the cause
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Appiah Takyi, Senior Lecturer, Department of Planning, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Urban flooding is a major problem in the global south. In west and central Africa, more than 4 million people were affected by flooding in 2024. In Ghana, cities suffer damage

    Australia needs bold ideas on defence. The Coalition’s increased spending plan falls disappointingly short
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Layton, Visiting Fellow, Strategic Studies, Griffith University Just as voting has begun in this year’s federal election, the Coalition has released its long-awaited defence policy platform. The main focus, as expected, is a boost in defence spending to 3% of Australia’s GDP within the next decade.

    Sniping koalas from helicopters: here’s what’s wrong with Victoria’s unprecedented cull
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Liz Hicks, Lecturer in Law, The University of Melbourne Roberto La Rosa/Shutterstock Snipers in helicopters have shot more than 700 koalas in the Budj Bim National Park in western Victoria in recent weeks. It’s believed to be the first time koalas have been culled in this way.

    Rather than short-term fixes, communities need flexible plans to prepare for a range of likely climate impacts
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tom Logan, Senior Lecturer Above the Bar of Civil Systems Engineering, University of Canterbury Dave Rowland/Getty Images As New Zealanders clean up after ex-Cyclone Tam which left thousands without power and communities once again facing flooding, it’s tempting to seek immediate solutions. However, after the cleanup and

    Why do Labor and the Coalition have so many similar policies? It’s simple mathematics
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gabriele Gratton, Professor of Politics and Economics and ARC Future Fellow, UNSW Sydney Pundits and political scientists like to repeat that we live in an age of political polarisation. But if you sat through the second debate between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition leader Peter Dutton

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Provocative, progressive and fearless: why Beatrice Faust’s views still resonate in Australia

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Judith Brett, Emeritus Professor of Politics, La Trobe University

    Beatrice Faust is best remembered as the founder, early in 1972, of the Women’s Electoral Lobby (WEL). Women’s Liberation was already well under way. Betty Friedan had published The Feminine Mystique in 1962, arguing that many women found life as a full-time housewife and mother unfulfilling. With prevailing social assumptions denying them meaningful work, they were bored and frustrated, trapped by an ideal of domesticity that had become a prison.

    Consciousness raising groups were meeting to understand how patriarchal assumptions had limited their members’ lives and self-understandings. Campaigns for equal pay, for childcare, for abortion law reform, were underway. In 1970 Germaine Greer, who had been at Melbourne University with Faust in the late 1950s, published The Female Eunuch, with its attack on the suburban consumerist nuclear family.

    WEL began when Beatrice invited ten carefully-selected women to meet in the upstairs room of her Carlton terrace. The idea behind WEL was simple, as many brilliant ideas are. It was to survey political candidates for the 1972 federal election on their position on various issues of central concern to women and then to publicise the results.

    American feminist activists Gloria Steinem and Patricia Carbine had surveyed the candidates for the forthcoming US presidential election and rated them according to their responses. After 23 years of Coalition government, momentum was building behind the Labor party and its dynamic leader, Gough Whitlam, and a Labor victory seemed within reach. So why not do the same here?

    Compared with much of Women’s Liberation, WEL was a reformist project. It was not attempting to overthrow the patriarchy or hasten socialism, but to position women’s concerns high on the mainstream political agenda and to achieve practical reforms that would make a difference to women’s lives. Scores of women joined that first year. For many, it transformed their lives, and by the end of the year WEL had become an effective feminist lobby group.

    When Faust started WEL she already had a decade of political activism behind her, in civil liberties and in the campaign to decriminalise abortion, which was illegal in all Australian states and territories. Like many other sexually active young women before the contraceptive pill was readily available, Faust had abortions, three in fact.

    By the time she started WEL, Beatrice Faust already had years of political activism behind her.
    Sydney Communist Party

    She had another reason to campaign for reform of the abortion laws. Her mother had died 12 hours after giving birth to Beatrice. She had been advised to have an abortion, but she was a Catholic and had refused. Her mother’s death was the defining fact of Faust’s life. The motherless child was sickly, and her childhood miserable. She believed that her father blamed her for his wife’s death and that she was unwanted and unloved.

    The pioneering political psychologist, Harold Lasswell, said of political activists that they try to solve for others what they cannot solve for themselves. There was nothing Faust could do about her mother’s death, but she could agitate to ensure other children were not born unwanted, as she felt herself to be.

    Repealing the laws that made abortion illegal, together with better sex education and easily available contraception, were her core political missions. She also agitated against the wowserish censorship regime limiting what adults could read and see in 1960s Australia, and publicly celebrated and privately enjoyed the pleasures of sex.

    Faust grew to sexual maturity during the 1950s when a repressive public sexual morality was already fraying, both from the emergence of a confident youth culture and the decline in the moral authority of churches.

    The advent of reliable contraception in the early 1960s turbo-charged this, removing the fear of pregnancy that had kept respectable unmarried people chaste. With the pill separating sex from reproduction, sex could become, as Faust put it, a recreational activity pursued for pleasure. The implications of this are still playing out, in the unstable co-existence in the contemporary moment of constrained public discourse with private sexual licence.

    Faust was a passionate advocate of sex education so that men and women could better understand their own and each others’ sexuality. Contrary to many in the women’s movement, she did not believe that differences between men and women were only the result of social roles and conditioning. The social constructions of gender built on biological foundations, Faust believed. This meant if a woman was to live as an autonomous social being and to have sexual agency, she needed to understand her body, and how it differed from the bodies of other women and of men. For her and her mother, biology had been a sort of destiny, so when the women’s movement started mocking biology, she disagreed.

    Faust was not just a political activist. She was also in her time a public intellectual, who wrote books, articles, op eds and reviews and commented frequently in the media. Because of her unusual openness about her sexuality, she became a go-to person as constraints loosened during the 1970s on the public discussion of all matters sexual.

    Her sexual style, she claimed, was masculine, giving her an androgenous perspective that made her as sympathetic to men as to women, and which informed her provocative perspectives on pornography, rape and paedophilia. Describing herself as “a sceptical feminist”, she was wary of the misandry she believed informed feminist separatism and feared that second-wave feminism was succumbing to the same sexual puritanism that had weakened the first.

    Many of her views will be challenging for contemporary readers. It’s hard for societies to get the balance right on sex. Too much repression is harmful as is too much licentiousness, the needs and desires of men and women need balancing, a range of individual differences accommodated, and violence and depravity confronted.

    Whatever the prevailing norms, not everyone will be happy. We need to be able to talk about this, to discuss issues around age of consent, sexual assault, victim blaming, gender identity and more, without being told “you can’t say that”. Faust was never afraid to say what she thought. She was fearless.

    Fearless Beatrice Faust (MUP), by Judith Brett, is available from April 23.

    Judith Brett 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. Provocative, progressive and fearless: why Beatrice Faust’s views still resonate in Australia – https://theconversation.com/provocative-progressive-and-fearless-why-beatrice-fausts-views-still-resonate-in-australia-252027

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Bright victories and engineering achievements: the XI Tournament of young research engineers has ended

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University – On April 18, the final battles of the XI Tournament of Young Research Engineers took place in the auditoriums of the NSU Faculty of Information Technology “Inzhevika”. Intense struggle, bold decisions and real discoveries – participants competed in 13 tasks in 4 sections: “Neurotechnology”, “Programming”, “Electronics”, “Design”.

    Back in October 2024, schoolchildren received difficult tasks, and since then they have been working on solving them in order to brilliantly defend their projects before the jury. This year, about 100 participants and their mentors from 11 educational institutions of Novosibirsk and the Novosibirsk region competed for the title of the best young engineers.

    — The tournament consisted of two stages: preparatory (from October to April, when participants solve proposed problems and develop prototypes of devices) and the day of the final battles, when the participants meet offline, — said Boris Solomatin, head of the Inzhevika laboratory.

    The winners of the task battles were the following teams: — Biotechnology Lyceum No. 21, Koltsovo (task “Shock Control”) — Gymnasium No. 12, Novosibirsk (tasks “Labyrinth”, “Hand Music”) — Gymnasium No. 7 “Sibirskaya” (task “Tug of War”) — Lyceum No. 81, Novosibirsk (tasks “Radio Communication”, “Spark Generator”) — Lyceum No. 9, Novosibirsk (tasks “Trainer”, “Long-Worded”) — Novosibirsk Economic Lyceum (task “Color the Magic Picture”) — Technical Lyceum No. 176, Karasuk District (task “Tennis Trainer”) — School No. 9, Iskitim (tasks “Spark Generator”, “Walker”, “Glass Balls”)

    The winners of the Tournament by the number of victories in battles and maximum points for solutions were recognized as the teams: — Section “Neurotechnology”: Gymnasium No. 7 “Sibirskaya”, Novosibirsk — Section “Programming”: Lyceum No. 9, Novosibirsk — Section “Electronics”: Lyceum No. 81, Novosibirsk — Section “Design”: Secondary School No. 9, Iskitim

    The final protocol of the XI TYUI is available by link 

    — Winners of the Tournament of Young Research Engineers receive an additional 5 points in the subject of “computer science” when entering the training areas of the Physics, Mechanics and Mathematics Faculties, the Faculty of Information Technology, and the Institute of Intelligent Robotics, — shared Boris Solomatin.

    The development of original tasks, methodological support throughout the year and judging at the final fights were provided by the joint work of specialists from the Faculty of Information Technology, the Physics Faculty of NSU, Komsib LLC, the CMIT KYUT and Ledas LLC.

    Congratulations to the winners and thanks to all participants! See you in the new season!

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The ocean can look deceptively calm – until it isn’t. Here’s what ‘hazardous surf’ really means

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Samuel Cornell, PhD Candidate, Beach Safety Research Group, School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney

    Over the Easter weekend, seven people drowned along the Australian coast. Most were swept off rock platforms – extremely dangerous locations that are increasingly prevalent in Australia’s coastal fatality data.

    The weather was unseasonably warm, the surf at times looking calm and at others foreboding. And yet, despite warnings from Surf Life Saving, emergency services and meteorologists, many still entered the water – often unaware of how deceptively dangerous the conditions could be.

    It was a tragic reminder that many people don’t understand ocean conditions and how waves and swells work. Current water safety warnings aren’t doing enough to change behaviour – but with simple improvements and better education around long-period swells, we could save lives.

    The difference between waves and swells

    Waves on the ocean are caused by wind. Some, called sea waves, are generated by nearby winds. Others, known as swell waves, are created by distant weather systems, such as storms far away, and travel long distances.

    Swells can travel thousands of kilometres and may still be present even if the local wind is calm. It’s estimated that up to 75% of wave action across the globe is caused by distant storms, not local winds. This makes the predicting of swells and waves a complex science.

    A long-period swell refers to waves that arrive at longer intervals, typically 12 to 20 seconds apart. These swells carry more energy than short-period ones, travel greater distances, and tend to produce sets of larger waves when they hit the coast.

    Long-period swells can result in sudden large waves that crash into the beach with more energy.
    Sneaky Buddy/Shutterstock

    What makes long-period swells so dangerous?

    Over Easter, hazardous long-period swells generated by an ex-cyclone offshore were hitting much of the east coast. The Bureau of Meteorology issued warnings, and Surf Life Saving reinforced these messages with media alerts and beach closures.

    But the surf didn’t always look threatening – at least not all of the time.

    The misleading nature of long-period swells is part of the problem. They create deceptively calm periods, and lulls between these wave sets can last ten or 15 minutes. During that time, people feel safe entering the water, wading out, going onto a rock platform or relaxing near the shoreline.

    When the next set arrives, it can be unexpected and forceful – knocking people over, pulling them into the water or creating unexpected currents.

    Unlike short-period waves, long-period swells carry momentum that enables them to surge much further up beaches and rock platforms, increasing the chances of sweeping people into the water. When these waves break, they do so with considerable force, and the powerful backwash can drag people into deep water.

    The sudden arrival of these waves, without a gradual buildup, makes them especially dangerous in exposed areas like rock shelves or platforms.

    Rock platforms are dangerous because of a combination of environmental exposure and low visibility in our approach to coastal safety. They’re often exposed to powerful waves, have uneven, slippery surfaces, and lack easy exit points.

    If someone is knocked into the water, there’s usually nothing to hold onto, and climbing back up is almost impossible – especially in heavy clothing or fishing gear.

    Why current warnings don’t cut through

    Australians may be familiar with fire danger ratings, cyclone warnings and the UV index.

    But the way we communicate surf risk – particularly around swell behaviour – is vague and technical. Phrases like “hazardous surf” or “long-period swell” are accurate, but fail to convey what people will actually experience at the shoreline.

    Most members of the public don’t know what a 16-second swell interval means, or how it affects where and how waves break. As a result, warnings go unnoticed, or people believe they can assess the risk themselves by looking at the water – which, during a lull, can seem completely harmless.

    Social media compounds this problem. Over Easter, videos of huge waves circulated widely, but so did footage of people playing or standing near the water with no apparent concern. The public sees mixed signals – and the science and warnings don’t always cut through.

    How to improve coastal hazard communication

    If we want to reduce coastal deaths during swell events, we need to bridge the gap between forecasts and real-world understanding.

    1. Translate forecasts into direct, behavioural warnings

    Instead of just saying “hazardous surf”, add language that explains what that means: “Conditions may appear calm, but large sets of waves will arrive every 10–15 minutes. Stay well back from the waterline”.

    2. Use visual risk systems

    Just like fire danger ratings, a colour-coded coastal risk index could be introduced for days when swell conditions are particularly hazardous. Simple signage at beaches could indicate the risk level and explain the reason for it.

    3. Integrate live updates at key sites

    SMS alerts or digital signage at car parks and entry points could provide real-time hazard updates. These should be visual and multilingual to reach a broader audience.

    4. Make ocean science public knowledge

    Government campaigns, surf clubs and schools should all help explain the basics of swell behaviour – including what long-period swell is, why wave sets arrive and why calm periods aren’t always safe. Just like “swim between the flags” became a known rule, so, too, should basic awareness of wave cycles. Surfers could be champions of this education.

    The conditions that contributed to the Easter drownings were forecast, monitored and forewarned. But most people don’t make decisions based on marine forecasts – they make them based on what they see in front of them.

    Long-period swell is a classic hidden hazard. It tricks even experienced beach goers, not because the science is unclear, but because the risk isn’t made clear to the public.

    Samuel Cornell receives funding from Meta Platforms, Inc. His research is supported by a University of New South Wales Sydney, University Postgraduate Award. His research is supported by Royal Life Saving Society – Australia to aid in the prevention of drowning. Research at Royal Life Saving Society – Australia is supported by the Australian government. He has been affiliated with Surf Life Saving Australia and Surf Life Saving NSW in a paid and voluntary capacity.

    – ref. The ocean can look deceptively calm – until it isn’t. Here’s what ‘hazardous surf’ really means – https://theconversation.com/the-ocean-can-look-deceptively-calm-until-it-isnt-heres-what-hazardous-surf-really-means-255011

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Scott Praises President Trump’s Commitment to Opportunity and Innovation at HBCUs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott
    “A historic step forward for innovation, opportunity, and educational excellence.”
    WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) praised President Donald J. Trump’s newly signed executive order promoting excellence and innovation at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The executive order aims to strengthen HBCUs and elevate these institutions as beacons of educational excellence and economic opportunity. 
    “HBCUs across the country continue to be first-class institutions,” said Senator Scott. “During President Trump’s first term we raised federal funding for HBCUs and made it permanent, and with this executive order President Trump is building on that work and continuing to deliver for the American people.”
    The executive order builds on the actions taken during President Trump’s first term to prioritize meaningful support for HBCUs—securing historic funding levels, reducing bureaucratic barriers, and strengthening partnerships between federal agencies and these institutions. 
    Background:
    Senator Scott has consistently been a leading advocate for policies that strengthen and support HBCUs, understanding the vital role these institutions play in empowering students and uplifting communities nationwide. This commitment is reflected in one of his most impactful initiatives, the HBCU PARTNERS Act, which he introduced to strengthen partnerships between federal agencies and HBCUs.  
    Additionally, Senator Scott played a key role in the passage of the FUTURE Act, which permanently secured $255 million in annual funding for HBCUs and other Minority-Serving Institutions. This crucial investment ensures long-term financial stability for these schools, allowing them to invest in academic programs, infrastructure, and student support services. 
    Senator Scott has helped usher in a new era of growth and opportunity for HBCUs, ensuring that these institutions not only survive but thrive. President Trump and Senator Scott have set a powerful foundation for HBCUs to continue shaping the leaders of tomorrow and making transformative, lasting contributions to society.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The major parties have announced their plans to address domestic and family violence. How do they stack up?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Fitz-Gibbon, Professor (Practice), Faculty of Business and Economics, Monash University

    In the past week, at least seven women have been killed in Australia, allegedly by men. These deaths have occurred in different contexts – across state borders, communities and relationships. But are united by one truth: they are part of the ongoing national crisis of men’s violence against women and children.

    While in the first four weeks of the election campaign there was silence from the major parties on this issue, now – with one week to go – both have released their commitments.

    The Coalition announced its plan last night, following Labor’s promises earlier in the week.

    Neither represent a commitment to ending gender-based violence. They both propose a patchwork of largely reactive initiatives. These will fail to deliver holistic reform to prevent violence and to intervene early enough to meaningfully reduce it.

    What has Labor pledged?

    Labor’s “commitment to women” announcement focuses on addressing financial abuse, a “fast growing and insidious form” of abuse. Key strategies proposed include:

    • preventing perpetrators from using tax and corporate systems to accrue debts as a form of coercive control

    • making perpetrators liable for debts incurred by the victim-survivor because of coercive control

    • and exploring options to stop perpetrators accessing the superannuation of victim-survivors after death.

    Labor has also pledged $8.6 million for perpetrator responses, including early interventions for young people.

    What about the Coalition?

    The Coalition’s approach is much more scatter gun, providing a list of disconnected strategies. It outlines 14 commitments.

    The announcement promises to improve support by expanding the Safe Places Emergency Accommodation Program and the Leaving Violence Program (which provides one-off funding to help cover the cost of leaving an abusive relationship).

    The Coalition will also increase crisis helpline support to ensure victim-survivors “have their calls answered and get the immediate assistance they require”.

    This is much needed. Frontline services are consistently under-resourced and have been calling for at least $1 billion annually to meet demand.

    The question of funding

    The Coalition’s $90 million pledge, with no clear timeframe or detail on how it will be distributed, represents less than 10% of what frontline services say is needed every year.

    Labor’s earlier announcement does not detail the funding commitment that will be allocated to their suite of proposed initiatives, other than to say $8.6 million will be provided for perpetrator interventions.

    Neither party has committed to multiyear funding models for domestic, family and sexual violence frontline services. This is essential for workforce retention and to ensure consistent delivery of trauma-informed care.

    We cannot criminalise our way out

    Law and order responses dominate the Coalition’s announcement. These include implementation of a national domestic violence register and the development of uniform national knife laws.

    Legal accountability is important and we need to improve information sharing across state and territory borders. But we cannot police or prosecute our way out of a problem rooted in structural inequality and social attitudes. It also fails to recognise that for many victim-survivors, the criminal legal system can be re-traumatising and does not meet their justice needs.

    The Coalition also commits to introducing new offences for online coercive behaviour and spyware use. This would be a significant legal shift by introducing family and domestic violence offences and bail laws for certain abusive behaviours at the federal level.

    It’s unclear how this would translate into state and territory criminal laws, or whether it is even necessary. All states and territories currently have laws prohibiting stalking and monitoring behaviours. Some states are in the early stages of developing or implementing coercive control offences.

    The Coalition has also reiterated its 2023 promise to hold a Royal Commission into sexual abuse in Indigenous communities.

    Indigenous scholars and organisations have previously rejected this proposal, particularly in light of the failure of the Northern Territory Intervention which required the suspension of the Racial Discrimination Act to implement.

    Evidence shows First Nations-led solutions should be prioritised over punitive approaches.

    What’s missing?

    The proposals from the two parties miss several critical areas.

    There’s no mention of sexual violence. While it would be optimistic to hope this is yet to come, it’s disappointing to see it has fallen off the agenda.

    The proposals don’t say anything about housing or recovery support beyond emergency accommodation. A lack of access to safe, long-term housing is one of the most significant barriers for victim-survivors escaping and recovering from violence. In the middle of a broader housing crisis, this is an essential component of any strategy.

    Children remain largely invisible. While the Coalition’s announcement commits to improving child protection, it offers nothing on delivering age-appropriate crisis responses, and to support the recovery needs of children and young people as victim-survivors in their own right.



    Read more:
    Australia had a national reckoning over domestic violence, but where’s the focus this election?

    Much has been written in recent weeks about the need to effectively engage men and boys, but they’re also barely mentioned by either party.

    Finally, there is no discussion of the need for greater monitoring and evaluation efforts. We cannot fix what we do not measure.

    Both parties’ announcements promise to build on the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children, which aspires to eliminate gender-based violence in one generation.

    Nearly three years into the delivery of that plan, the persistent prevalence of this violence shows we must do more. We need visible, bipartisan leadership that treats this issue with the same gravity we afford to other national emergencies.

    The National Sexual Assault, Family and Domestic Violence Counselling Line – 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) – is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault. The Men’s Referral Service (call 1300 766 491) offers advice and counselling to men looking to change their behaviour.

    Kate has received funding for research on violence against women and children from a range of federal and state government and non-government sources. Currently, Kate receives funding from Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS), the South Australian government, Safe Steps, Australian Childhood Foundation, and 54 Reasons. This piece is written by Kate Fitz-Gibbon in her role at Monash University and Sequre Consulting, and is wholly independent of Kate Fitz-Gibbon’s role as chair of Respect Victoria and membership on the Victorian Children’s Council.

    Hayley has received funding for research on violence against women and children and criminal justice-related issues from a range of federal and state government and non-government sources. Currently, Hayley receives funding from ANROWS, and the ACT Justice Reform Branch.

    – ref. The major parties have announced their plans to address domestic and family violence. How do they stack up? – https://theconversation.com/the-major-parties-have-announced-their-plans-to-address-domestic-and-family-violence-how-do-they-stack-up-255127

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The biggest losers: how Australians became the world’s most enthusiastic gamblers

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wayne Peake, Adjunct research fellow, School of Humanities and Communication Arts, Western Sydney University

    The story goes that the late billionaire Australian media magnate Kerry Packer once visited a Las Vegas casino, where a Texan was bragging about his ranch and how many millions it was worth.

    Packer produced a coin from his pocket and said: “I’ll toss you for it: my cash against your ranch”.

    The Texan declined.

    This story may or may not be true. But it is consistent with the old maxim that Australians love a punt and will bet on just about anything, even on two flies crawling up a wall (which one will fly off first?).

    A rich history

    Australians are the biggest (or worst) gamblers in the world per capita. How did it come to this?

    By the 1830s, following European settlement in Australia, there was a steady stream of migrants who were taking the ultimate gamble – resettling on the other side of the world.

    The discovery of gold in the 1850s then encouraged a torrent of speculators often armed with no more than a shovel and a wheelbarrow.

    Most remained insolvent but some found bonanzas. Gold-rich towns, Melbourne in particular, developed rapidly. Modern enclosed racecourses soon followed.

    At first, gambling was restricted to side bets between the horses’ connections.

    That changed in 1882 when Englishman Robert Sievier visited Australia. He was the first bookmaker to stand on a regular pitch, accept cash bets and pay winners after each race.

    Sievier soon had numerous imitators on course – bookmakers registered with race clubs, betting on races like the Melbourne Cup, which by the 1890s attracted 100,000-plus racegoers.

    Some fun on the front line

    People bet off-course too – in barber shops and saloons, not only on the races but rowing events, cycling and “pedestrianism” (foot races).

    Despite state betting acts passed in 1906 intended to restrict gambling, by the first world war, capital cities were dotted with racecourses.

    Male racegoers were encouraged to “play up and play the game” – as the famous 1892 imperialist poem Vitai Lampada by Henry Newbolt urged – and enlist in the defence forces.

    When their enthusiasm curbed in 1917 after causalities at the front seeped back, governments reduced the number of race meetings but this caused crowds at those remaining to treble.

    Meanwhile, at the front lines, Australian soldiers adopted the egalitarian coin-toss game of two-up: a game where coins are spun in the air and bets are laid on whether heads or tails are facing up once they settle on the ground.

    Two-up remains a facet of the Australian psyche today – illegal, although authorities turn a blind eye on Anzac Day, supposedly out of respect for returned soldiers.

    This concession reflects the connection in Australia between mateship, the “Anzac legend”, sport and gambling.

    The pokie problem

    After the first world war, racecourse attendances grew even larger.

    The 1929 Depression eroded them but the emergence of racing radio broadcasts and the spread of the telephone network fed a regrowth in illegal off-course betting, especially in New South Wales.

    That state was also the scene of the next big, and perhaps most significant, development in gambling in Australia: the legalisation of poker machines in 1956.

    “The pokies” were originally restricted to registered clubs: mostly returned servicemen clubs, but in 1997, the NSW Labor government allowed them into hotels, where they soon rendered the less exciting “dancing joker” card machines extinct.

    The other states long resisted the temptation to legalise pokies. As a result, coaches loaded with would-be players from Victoria visited clubs at New South Wales border towns such as Corowa.

    The pokies were finally legalised in Victoria in 1991, later in other states. In Western Australia they remain legal in casinos only.

    Poker machines are widely regarded as a more insidious and dangerous form of gambling – in most other countries they are restricted to casinos.

    Since then, pokies have become a major part of Australia’s gambling landscape. In fact:

    The options are endless

    Poker machines reign as the dominant form of gambling in Australia, but there are many more options: lotteries and instant lotteries (“scratchies”), Keno and sports betting, which is fast replacing horseracing as the main business of the so-called corporate bookmakers that have emerged in the past 25 years.

    As technology continues to advance, online gambling – which is difficult to regulate and control – might be the biggest ongoing threat to gamblers.

    Wayne Peake 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. The biggest losers: how Australians became the world’s most enthusiastic gamblers – https://theconversation.com/the-biggest-losers-how-australians-became-the-worlds-most-enthusiastic-gamblers-252496

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: Jade Power Announces Director Appointment

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Jade Power Trust (“Jade Power” or the “Trust”) (NEX:JPWR.H) is pleased to announce the appointment of an independent director, Bruce McCannel, to the Board of Directors of Jade Power Administrator Inc., effective immediately.

    Bruce is currently a corporate consultant primarily focused on government and stakeholder engagement and communications strategies. Holding a Master of Public Administration degree, Bruce worked in budget development for the Saskatchewan Ministry of Finance, was an Executive Director for the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport, and was on the board of directors for the Canadian Parks Council. When he was the head coach of the University of Regina Cougars Track and Field program, Bruce was a member of the board of directors for Saskatchewan Athletics and the Excel Athletika Track and Field Club.

    David Barclay, Chief Executive Officer stated “We look forward to working with Bruce on the Board. We are excited by the value that his experience in government and stakeholder relations will bring to the Trust.”

    For further information please contact:

    David Barclay
    Chief Executive Officer
    +1 954-895-7217
    david.barclay@bellsouth.net

    About Jade Power

    The Trust, through its direct and indirect subsidiaries in Canada, the Netherlands and Romania, was formed to acquire interests in renewable energy assets in Romania, other countries in Europe and abroad that can provide stable cash flow to the Trust and a suitable risk-adjusted return on investment. All material information about the Trust may be found under Jade Power’s issuer profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Statements in this press release contain forward-looking information. Such forward-looking information may be identified by words such as “anticipates”, “plans”, “proposes”, “estimates”, “intends”, “expects”, “believes”, “may” and “will”. The forward-looking statements are founded on the basis of expectations and assumptions made by the Trust. Details of the risk factors relating to Jade Power and its business are discussed under the heading “Business Risks and Uncertainties” in the Trust’s annual Management’s Discussion & Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023, a copy of which is available on Jade Power’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Most of these factors are outside the control of the Trust. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. These statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as otherwise required by applicable securities statutes or regulation, Jade Power expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Neither the TSXV nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: First cohort graduates from global initiative shaping the future of defence and space

    Source:

    24 April 2025

    Global Executive MBA in Defence and Space graduate Glen Gallagher in Washington, DC.

    The first hand-picked cohort from a specialist global program tailored to meet the pressing challenges facing the defence and space sectors graduated from the University of South Australia this week.

    Students from UniSA’s Global Executive MBA in Defence and Space have completed the customised 18-month program, a world-first to help build a global pipeline of talent for the two sectors, specifically benefitting international alliances such as AUKUS.

    The graduates, who include executives and uniformed personnel from defence and space organisations operating in Australia, the US, UK and Europe, will help address critical skills gaps in cyber security, space systems, geopolitics and defence procurement and build the innovation and leadership capabilities required across the sectors.

    UniSA partnered with the University of Exeter (UK) and Carnegie Mellon University (US) to deliver the program, with students undertaking online study and intensive in-person residentials in each of the three AUKUS countries.

    Professor Lan Snell, Dean of Programs (Postgraduate), UniSA Business, says the value of the program lies in its global structure.

    “Throughout the program students develop global experiences, networks and competencies in the defence and space sectors that other Executive MBA programs can’t match. That is not only attractive to SA locals, but to potential recruits and their employers nationally and internationally,” she says.

    Professor Snell says the 2025 graduates are well equipped to tackle the complexities associated with the multi-decade projects that will make up the AUKUS arrangement.

    “Our graduates have built on a range of skills and capabilities ranging from technical skills through to project management and leadership capabilities,” she says. “We now have heightened technical understandings and better developed future-focused capabilities such as communication, teamwork and problem solving.”

    Global Executive MBA in Defence and Space graduate Glen Gallagher says the program directly influenced his career progression over the past two years as he transitioned from Operations Manager at Boeing Defence Australia to Director, Advanced Systems at South Australian Government agency, Defence SA.

    “I think taking part in the program did influence my career path in terms of my confidence, skills and ability to tackle a senior executive role. If I hadn’t been undertaking the Global Executive MBA in Defence and Space, I might not have backed myself or had the necessary attributes to be successful in my current role,” he says.

    “The value of the program is also in the establishment of multiple networks with peers, colleagues and industry professionals from around the world that you wouldn’t typically be exposed to unless you take up a lot of international travel.”

    Gallagher says highlights of the program included the two-week residentials in the US and UK, particularly travelling to Washington, DC, in the lead up to the US election in November 2024.

    “Part of the program was held near Capitol Hill and that was amazing to witness in terms of the build-up in geopolitics at that time. It was an experience that can’t ever be beaten.”

    The next Global Executive MBA in Defence and Space cohort will commence at Adelaide University in 2026.

    …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
    Media contact: Melissa Keogh, UniSA Media M: +61 403 659 154 E: Melissa.Keogh@unisa.edu.au

    Other articles you may be interested in

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Hickenlooper Highlights Trump Admin Chaos at Town Halls in Grand Junction, Colorado Springs, Events Across Western Slope

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado
    In case you missed it, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper recently held town halls in Grand Junction and Colorado Springs, and made stops in Breckenridge, Eagle, and Glenwood Springs to discuss how the Trump administration’s policies are raising costs and harming communities across Colorado. 
    In Grand Junction, Hickenlooper hosted a town hall at Colorado Mesa University where he answered constituent concerns about Trump administration policies including tariffs and cuts to the Department of Education.
    The next day Hickenlooper stopped in Glenwood Springs to discuss drought on the Colorado River, as well as the current Trump administration’s freeze on federal funding for water conservation across the West.  
    Hickenlooper also stopped in Eagle to meet with local leaders impacted by Trump administration’s funding and workforce cuts to public lands, and in Breckenridge at the Vista Verde workforce housing complex, where he discussed food insecurity and the cost-of-living crisis in Colorado’s mountain communities. 
    Later in the week, Hickenlooper held a second town hall In Colorado Springs where he answered questions on his response to Trump administration ICE detentions and cuts to funding for medical research.
    Check out the coverage below:
    KKCO Grand Junction:  Senator Hickenlooper addresses tariffs, immigration, and federal layoffs at Grand Junction Town Hall
    “I know that there is a lot of frustration, anger, concern about what’s going on in Washington,” said Hickenlooper.
    …KKCO had the opportunity to listen to Hickenlooper’s response to key issues before the Town Hall.
    Hickenlooper was asked about Colorado Public Lands if he will fight to keep State and National Parks and Forests untouched: “I have gone up to every Republican I know and say that’s off the table. Just so you know, I will fight tooth and nail. You’ll never get anything done. And I have been assured that at least through the Senate, that’s not going to happen,” he said.
    Hickenlooper was asked about current immigration laws and Kilmar Garcia: “I think that is the single most egregious act that I’ve seen our government condone, that I can remember,” he said. “This is a level of corruption that I don’t think any American expected when they voted for Donald Trump. I can tell you that at least two or three dozen people I know who are devout supporters of President Trump are outraged.”
    CPR News: US Senator Hickenlooper talks Trump resistance during Grand Junction town hal
    U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper invoked Valley Forge at an event in Grand Junction Monday night while encouraging disaffected voters to stay engaged in politics. But he also invoked collegiality to defend his approach to navigating Trump politics.
    While Hickenlooper drew questions about some of his concessions, he spent much of the evening outlining policies and actions by the Trump administration he could not abide by. He told reporters that the wrongful deportation of a man to an El Salvadorian prison was “the single most egregious act that I’ve seen our government condone,” and that feared cuts to Medicaid were “unfathomable.
    Daily Sentinel Editorial: Hickenlooper shows up — that’s enough for now
    Monday’s town hall reflected Hickenlooper’s even-keeled personality. The advice he imparted to those concerned with the direction of the country mirrored his own political posture: Stay engaged, show kindness and work to find real solutions to the nation’s problems.
    “In a funny way, we’re at war,” he added. “You’ve got to be pragmatic as well as ruthless.
    Hickenlooper provided examples of Trump administration controversies he can’t tolerate — including the “tariff tax” putting a “chokehold” on economic growth and the wrongful deportation of a man lawfully in the United States to an El Salvadoran prison.
    Calling the latter “the single most egregious act that I’ve seen our government condone,” Hickenlooper told reporters that if the administration defies court orders, “then we really have to go to the streets.”
    WATCH: NBC Grand Junction: Hickenlooper hosts Grand Junction town hall
    Grand Junction Daily Sentinel: Sen. Hickenlooper hosts town hall in Grand Junction
    Colorado Sun: John Hickenlooper’s Western Slope tour reveals growing frustration over Trump’s public lands policy
    Colorado U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper is hearing a lot of frustration and anger as he tours the state this week. He’s telling people to organize and gather stories that reflect how public lands are suffering under drastic cuts at land agencies.
    “It’s going to be a battle. It’s going to be a war. And the only real leverage that we have … in a constitutional democracy is to have people rise up,” he said, standing on the banks of the Eagle River on Tuesday at a small gathering of local officials worried about their forests.
    Vail Daily: Colorado’s John Hickenlooper says ‘some things just shouldn’t be for sale’ as he stumps for public lands on Western Slope
    Colorado Sen. John Hickenlooper didn’t mince words Tuesday on the threat to public lands in the West during a tour of the Western Slope that included stops in Breckenridge, Eagle and Glenwood Springs. 
    “There are a lot of people out there that have never been to the West,” Hickenlooper said during a stop at the Eagle River Park. “They don’t give a crap. They think government’s too big and they’re just going to cut. Elections have consequences. The way to fight back on that is to bring them lessons from the West in graphic detail. Information is power.”
    Colorado Newsline: Hickenlooper calls on Supreme Court to hold Trump officials in contempt
    U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper on Tuesday urged the U.S. Supreme Court to start holding Trump administration officials in contempt of court and “lock them up” if they refuse to comply with the court’s unanimous order to “facilitate” the return of a Maryland man wrongly deported to a notorious mega-prison in El Salvador.
    “The Supreme Court’s got to step up and say, ‘All right, we’re going to start holding people in contempt of court.’ They have the ability to sanction,” Hickenlooper said in an interview with Colorado Newsline. “They can take the people, the officials who deny any culpability or any responsibility, they can bring them in and force them to testify, to come to the court. And if they don’t come, they’re in contempt, and then you lock them up.”
    Summit Daily: ‘I don’t see the demand decreasing’: Summit officials get candid with Sen. Hickenlooper about workforce’s struggles with affordability
    U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper hit stops in Colorado’s High Country on Tuesday, April 15, for what he said was an effort to collect stories from his constituents to help refine his understanding of the area he represents.
    His Breckenridge stop was paired with a tour of an upcoming nonprofit hub, and the story he got from local officials lifted the veil covering the historic mountain town with an affluent appearance to show the local workforce’s struggles with affordability.
    Hickenlooper said the United States is currently in a place where even those living in areas with a low cost of living are having to work multiple jobs to stay afloat.
    “Society has gotten wealthier and wealthier, again, the greatest wealth in the history of the world, and yet we still have to fight like crazy to keep rent within peoples’ grasp,” he said.
    Colorado Springs Gazette: Hickenlooper fields questions on Space Command, immigration, more at Colorado Springs town hall
    “I think the threat on our democracy is real,” Hickenlooper said. “This notion that we can take someone off the street, lock him up, not charge him, no hearing and send him down to a hellhole of a prison in El Salvador, and then admit that we made a mistake, but we’re not going to do anything about it.”
    The president’s tariffs, meanwhile, are going to have a negative impact on the local economy, Hickenlooper said.
    “The tariffs are going to slow down everything, and the fact that he’s going to have these gigantic reciprocal tariffs, and now we paused for 90 days, well, that means no large company can make an investment, right?”
    WATCH: NBC Colorado Springs: Sen. Hickenlooper hosts town hall in Colorado Springs

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Birds hold remarkable clues to fighting human and animal infections

    Source:

    24 April 2025

    Australian and Dutch researchers have uncovered a remarkable evolutionary adaptation in birds that could hold vital clues for combating avian flu and respiratory infections in humans, including pneumonia and COVID-19.

    The research, published in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, investigates the molecular evolution of specific types of proteins (CL-10 and CL-11) in bird lungs, revealing the role they play in recognising and neutralising harmful microbes.

    These ancient proteins appear to compensate for the evolutionary loss of the surfactant protein D (SP-D), a key immune component in humans and other mammals that helps protect the lungs from airborne pathogens.

    According to University of South Australia pulmonary biology researcher, Professor Sandra Orgeig, the study sheds new light on how birds maintain lung protection despite their unique respiratory anatomy that does not allow their lungs to contract and expand.

    “Unlike mammals, birds have a rigid lung structure with unidirectional air flow, which has evolved to support flight,” Prof Orgeig says.

    “Our research shows that CL-10 and CL-11 have been highly conserved in birds, suggesting they play a crucial role in lung immunity, possibly compensating for the loss of SP-D.”

    Birds are known reservoirs for several zoonotic infections (diseases that are transmitted between animals and humans), including avian flu and other airborne pathogens. Understanding their lung immunity could provide important insights into how these diseases spread, and how to prevent them.

    The team conducted an extensive analysis using molecular and genetic techniques, confirming the presence of CL-10 and CL-11 in the zebra finch and turkey – two evolutionary distant birds.

    Co-author Dr Albert van Dijk from Utrecht University says that because birds lack the SP-D immune protein found in mammals, their lungs must rely on alternative defence strategies against respiratory pathogens.

    “If we can identify how these proteins function in birds, we may be able to develop new strategies to improve immune responses in humans, particularly for respiratory diseases such as pneumonia and COVID-19,” Dr van Dijk says.

    The researchers say the findings may provide a foundation for future medical and veterinary advances.

    A video explaining the research is available at: A word about birds

    Notes for editors

    Kunchala, S. R., van Dijk, A., Veldhuizen, E. J. A., Haagsman, H. P., & Orgeig, S. (2025). Adaptation and conservation of CL-10/11 in avian lungs: Implications for their role in pulmonary innate immune protection. DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0425

    Dr Srinivasa Kunchala led the research while undertaking his PhD at the University of South Australia. He is now based in Hyderabad, India, where he has founded his own company Advanced Respiratory Drug Delivery Solutions.

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

    Contact for interview: Professor Sandra Orgeig M: 0410 422 712 E: sandra.orgeig@unisa.edu.au
    Media contact: Candy Gibson M: +61 434 605 142 E: candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au

    Other articles you may be interested in

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: A better path for apprentices and trainees

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is making changes to work-based learning so that industries have more influence over how they train apprentices and trainees, Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds says.          
    “Whether you’re a carpenter building the warm, dry homes of tomorrow, or a mechanic working to keep us safe on the roads, it’s important you have the right skills to do your job effectively,” Ms Simmonds says.          
    “However, industry representatives have made it clear that the current work-based learning model is not delivering because it has become overly centralised through Te Pūkenga. As a result, the training of apprentices and other workers is often disconnected from the realities of the jobs they are working towards. 
    “We are fixing this by giving industries more control over how they train people.   
    “Beginning next year, the Government will introduce a new, independent, and industry-led model for work-based learning. 
    “This means vocational education and training providers will be able to manage all aspects of an apprenticeship or traineeship at an industry level, rather than taking direction from a centralised behemoth. 
    “This is great for learners because it makes their learning more relevant to their employment, and it is beneficial to businesses who will gain access to more capable workers to boost their productivity and deliver economic growth.  
    “Public and industry consultation clearly showed that this model was the preferred option, and this Government is proud to deliver the changes that we called for,” Ms Simmonds says. 
    From 1 January 2026: 

    New Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) will be set up to set training standards, endorse programmes and moderate assessments.
    Apprentices and trainees currently with Te Pūkenga will move to the ISBs for up to two years.
    New students will enrol directly with new work-based learning private providers, polytechnics, or Wānanga.
    ISBs will be able to enrol new learners until other providers are set up to deliver work-based learning.          

    “So, if you’re a learner or an employer — keep going. Your qualifications are essential, and your training is valuable. There will be no disruption, your training stays on track,” Ms Simmonds says.          
    “We’re building a better system — for learners, for industry, and for the future of New Zealand.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The billions spent on NZ’s accommodation supplement is failing to make rent affordable – so what will?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Edward Yiu, Associate Professor, School of Business, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

    Pixelbliss/Shutterstock

    New Zealand’s unaffordable housing market has left many low and middle-income families reliant on the accommodation supplement to cover rent and mortgage payments.

    But our new research has found the scheme, which costs the government almost NZ$5 billion a year, might not be an effective tool in addressing the country’s housing affordability crisis.

    Introduced in 1993, the accommodation supplement is a weekly, means-tested payment designed to subsidise part of a household’s rent or mortgage. The supplement is calculated independently of actual rent or mortgage payments.

    But our study looking at data from Auckland between 2019 and 2023 found accommodation supplement rental subsidies were not delivering meaningful improvements in affordability for renters. Subsidies used to support mortgage payments, however, appeared to be more effective in offering relief to low-income households wanting stable and affordable housing.

    Our results raise questions about whether the current policy of subsidising private rentals is working to address housing affordability in New Zealand.

    Renters left behind

    Our study compared the proportion of household disposable income spent on rent between households receiving the supplement versus those in the same income group who did not receive it.

    The results revealed a striking gap.

    In 2023 renters in the middle-income bracket who received the accommodation supplement were spending, on average, 35.6% of their income (including the supplement) on rent. Similar households without the subsidy spent 25.85% of their income on rent. This suggests the support is not significantly narrowing the affordability gap between subsidised and unsubsidised renters.

    This study also picked up potential signs of landlords inflating the rents for tenants receiving subsidies. This is known as “subsidy capturing”. On average, middle-income tenants receiving the accommodation supplement paid NZ$539.40 per week in rent in 2023. Non-recipients paid $502.90. That’s a 7.3% difference.

    Further research is needed to determine whether this discrepancy is due to rent inflation or differences in housing quality. But the finding aligns with international studies showing that subsidies can unintentionally drive up market rents.

    If landlords are capturing part of the subsidy by increasing rents, then the benefit meant for vulnerable tenants is being diluted.

    New Zealand’s housing market ranks as one of the least affordable in the OECD.
    ChameleonsEye/Shutterstock

    Greater promise with mortgage support

    Our data suggests mortgage support seems to level the playing field more effectively than rental assistance. The mortgage-to-income ratio for subsidised households stood at 25.55% and 29.95% in 2022 and 2023, respectively (income includes the supplement). This closely matches the 26.6% and 27.5% recorded for non-subsidised households in the same income group.

    One reason for the difference in the effectiveness of the supplement is that homeowners are typically required to contribute more upfront – a deposit – giving them a greater financial stake in their housing. This commitment may encourage better financial decisions and housing choices. It may also offer long-term benefits such as asset building and housing stability.

    Rental subsidies are essential for immediate relief, especially in emergencies or periods of transition. But our research calls into question their effectiveness in enhancing affordability. More targeted support for low-income homeowners could offer a more sustainable path forward.

    Intentions must match results

    The accommodation is undoubtedly grounded in good intentions. But considering how much of the national budget is being spent on housing-related welfare, it is essential the programmes deliver the best possible results for taxpayers.

    Measuring effectiveness is not about questioning the intent but about ensuring public resources truly achieve meaningful objectives.

    Simply increasing funding for subsidies is unlikely to solve the problem. As New Zealand confronts an ongoing housing affordability crisis, this study adds to growing evidence that policy effectiveness – not just how much is spent – is what truly matters.

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

    – ref. The billions spent on NZ’s accommodation supplement is failing to make rent affordable – so what will? – https://theconversation.com/the-billions-spent-on-nzs-accommodation-supplement-is-failing-to-make-rent-affordable-so-what-will-254779

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: A golden era for personalized medicine is approaching, but are we ready?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nazia Pathan, PhD, Postdoctoral Researcher, Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University

    Biobanks have become some of the most transformative tools in medical research, enabling scientists to study the relationships between genes, health and disease on an unprecedented scale (Piqsels/Siyya)

    If there’s a disease that seems to run in your family, if you’ve had a negative reaction to a drug or wondered why a standard treatment didn’t work on you, the answers may lie in your genes.

    The unique sequence of DNA that acts as a blueprint for building and maintaining your body often plays a major role in shaping your predisposition to diseases and reactions to drugs.

    Genes in the DNA make proteins, which can act as biomarkers or influence other types of biomarkers. Biomarkers are molecules in the body that help measure health conditions, such as those detected in blood or urine tests.

    Blood glucose, for example, is a biomarker for diabetes, cholesterol levels can be biomarkers for heart diseases and albumin is a protein used to assess kidney and liver functions.

    Tailoring treatments

    By understanding a patient’s unique genetic profile, biomarker readings and lifestyle information, doctors could tailor the most effective and safest treatments for that individual.

    Genetics offer the opportunity for individualized health care that can improve patient outcomes, save lives and alleviate strain on the health-care system.

    This is the promise of personalized medicine, which is already making a difference in areas such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, mental health and rare diseases.

    The question is, are we prepared to seize this golden opportunity in Canada?

    Genetic testing and data

    Canadians are not averse to genetic testing. By 2018, a survey by Abacus Data showed around 11 per cent of Canadian adults had used direct-to-consumer genetic testing and analysis kits, and 60 per cent were open to ordering a test.

    This level of interest highlights a general acceptance of and readiness for genetic advancements in health care, which is encouraging, since we need much more reliable, population-level genetic information to make the most of this opportunity.

    Current genetic data is either scattered across relatively small, fragmented groups, which is severely limiting from a broader research perspective, or held by private companies. These companies have varying regulatory standards, raising concerns about privacy and data security, especially if a company is financially unstable or ceases to exist. This recently occurred when genetic testing company 23andMe filed for bankruptcy.



    Read more:
    With 23andMe filing for bankruptcy, what happens to consumers’ genetic data?

    The better model is publicly managed biobanks, which prioritize broad societal health over profit and offer stronger data protection through robust regulation of access, storage and usage. Strict oversight ensures the protection of individual privacy while promoting transparency.

    The potential of biobanks

    In this age of big data, biobanks have become some of the most transformative tools in medical research, enabling scientists to study the relationships between genes, health and disease on an unprecedented scale.

    This is possible because of technological advancements that allow large-scale genetic and biomarker testing, the adoption of cloud-based servers, and improvements in statistical modelling, machine learning and artificial intelligence.

    Establishing a biobank begins with collecting small amounts (five to 10 millilitres) of blood, saliva or tissue from consenting participants in the presence of health experts.

    Biobanks use next-generation sequencers to perform the genetic sequences at high speed, while the latest proteomics platforms enable measurement of thousands different biomarkers from a very small amount of blood. The resulting genetic and biomarker profiles are curated and made accessible through platforms like a national library.

    Countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States are paving the way with national efforts such as the UK Biobank and the All of Us Research Program.

    The British Biobank houses genetic and health data from more than 500,000 participants. Similarly, the U.S. program aims to enrol more than one million participants.

    Genomics in Canada

    As a genetic epidemiologist, I have had the opportunity to identify several potential genetic targets by using these treasure troves of information.

    The problem is that we don’t yet have a ready way of knowing if the results are directly applicable to the Canadian population.

    This is about to change. Genome Canada has launched the Canadian Precision Health Initiative to sequence the genomes of at least 100,000 Canadians.

    Biobanks enable scientists to study the relationships between genes, health and disease on an unprecedented scale.
    (Pixabay/Shameersrk)

    A Pan-Canadian Genome Library (PCGL) is also in the works to harmonize genetic data produced across Canada. It aims to capture, store and provide access to Canadian genomic data in a secure and ethical manner. Although this work is in the developmental phase, and the target population size remains unclear, these efforts are significant.

    These visions are closer to becoming a reality with the recent announcement of a $200 million investment in the Canadian Precision Health initiative. This is in addition to the more than $1 billion previously invested in health genomics research projects.

    These funds will support Canada’s Genomic centres, the PCGL, and enhance the translation of genomics into real-world applications, boosting the development of personalized medicine and advanced diagnostics to treat diseases.

    A potential model for the world

    Canada, with its uniquely diverse population, has a rare opportunity to lead the way in equitable, multi-ethnic genetic research that would address current biases that predominantly focus on individuals with European ancestry.

    This would ensure that everyone in Canada, including Indigenous communities, can benefit from this health-care revolution in an equitable, ethical and safe manner that balances privacy with the opportunities for groundbreaking research.

    With public trust and robust oversight, and making population-level data internationally accessible, Canada’s biobank initiative could become a model for the world in the golden era of personalized medicine.

    Nazia Pathan, PhD 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. A golden era for personalized medicine is approaching, but are we ready? – https://theconversation.com/a-golden-era-for-personalized-medicine-is-approaching-but-are-we-ready-250336

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Promotes Excellence and Innovation at HBCUs

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    ADVANCING HBCU EXCELLENCE: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to promote excellence and innovation at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
    The Order establishes a White House Initiative on HBCUs, housed in the Executive Office of the President, to enhance HBCUs’ capacity to deliver high-quality education to a growing number of students.
    The Initiative will prioritize private-sector partnerships, institutional development, and workforce preparation in high-growth industries like technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and finance.
    The Initiative will enhance HBCUs’ capabilities by supporting implementation of the HBCU PARTNERS Act, fostering research and program excellence, improving affordability and retention, and building pipelines for students to attend HBCUs.
    The Initiative will work to address barriers to HBCUs receiving certain Federal and state grant dollars and to improve their competitiveness for R&D funding.
    The Initiative will convene an annual White House Summit on HBCUs to foster collaboration and address key priorities for HBCU success.

    The Order establishes the President’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs within the Department of Education, comprising leaders from philanthropy, education, business, finance, entrepreneurship, innovation, private foundations, and current HBCU presidents.
    EMPOWERING HBCUs FOR AMERICA’S FUTURE: President Trump supports our Nation’s incredible HBCUs and their critical contributions to opportunity, innovation, and the economic strength of the United States.
    HBCUs areessential to fostering opportunity, economic mobility, and national competitiveness, serving as engines of success for American students.
    HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to the general welfare and prosperity of the United States while producing many leaders in business, government, academia, and the military.
    Nearly 300,000 individuals annually pursue their dreams at HBCUs throughout the United States.
    These institutions generate $16.5 billion in annual economic impact and support over 136,000 jobs, strengthening communities and the Nation. 
    BUILDING ON A LEGACY OF SUPPORT: President Trump is committed to elevating HBCUs as beacons of educational excellence and economic opportunity, building on transformative actions from his first term.  
    President Trump relocated the Federal HBCU Initiative to the White House to ensure direct oversight and prioritization, and will once again locate it there.
    President Trump signed the FUTURE Act into law, securing $255 million in permanent annual funding for HBCUs and increasing funding for Federal Pell Grants.
    President Trump authorized more than $100 million for scholarships, research, and centers of excellence at HBCU land-grant institutions.
    President Trump provided $322 million in hurricane-related relief to four HBCUs in 2018 so they could fully focus on educating their students.
     President Trump ensured that faith-based HBCUs received equal access to Federal support.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: State’s Outdoor Recreation and Conservation Leaders Announce Launch of Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy

    Source: US State of Colorado

    Collaborative vision for conservation, outdoor recreation, and climate resilience ensures an enduring future for generations to come

    COLORADO SPRINGS – Colorado Governor Jared Polis and coordinating partners from several state conservation, outdoor recreation, and climate resilience departments and programs, announced today the launch of Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy, a statewide vision and framework for action that ensures a future where Colorado’s outdoors, people, community character, and ways of life endure for generations to come. The Strategy was unveiled at the Partners in the Outdoors Conference in Colorado Springs. Coordinating partners involved in the Strategy development and rollout included Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), Colorado Department of Natural Resources, the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, and the Governor’s Office of Climate Preparedness & Disaster Recovery.

    Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy, one of the first of its kind in the United States, is the state’s conservation, outdoor recreation, and climate resilience strategy. It advances coordination, tools, and funding to align, prioritize, and implement strategic actions on the landscape for conservation, outdoor recreation, and climate resilience.  

    “Coloradans and our visitors love our great outdoors, and the outdoors are essential to what makes our state special,” said Governor Polis. “The health of our wildlife, biodiversity, people, communities, agriculture, and economies depends on thriving natural environments and amazing outdoor recreation experiences that our state provides. But our wild areas face significant and urgent pressures from growing populations, human disturbance, climate change, wildfires, and drought – and we are at an important crossroads. Our Strategy provides structure and important tools to help communities effectively and successfully plan and implement for the future.”

    Outdoor spaces are vital to residents, with 96% engaging in outdoor activities at least annually and 90 million visitors exploring the state in 2022. With more than 960 wildlife species and a population expected to grow from 5.5 million to 8.5 million by 2050, the Strategy supports Colorado’s efforts to celebrate and balance both conservation and recreation.  Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy has three goals:

    1. Climate-Resilient Conservation and Restoration: Conservation and restoration of lands and waters help wildlife and biodiversity thrive; habitats are resilient and connected; communities benefit from healthy ecosystems and agricultural lands.
    2. Exceptional and Sustainable Outdoor Recreation: A diversity of high-quality outdoor experiences are accessible, equitable, and inclusive; management and stewardship enhance benefits for and minimize impacts to people, landscapes, and communities.
    3. Coordinated Planning and Funding: Planning and implementation are interdisciplinary; supported by robust funding and capacity; inclusive of diverse perspectives and communities; and drive meaningful action for the outdoors.

    “The Strategy supports all who love the outdoors in working together to achieve climate-resilient conservation and restoration coupled with exceptional and sustainable outdoor recreation,” said Jeff Davis, Director, Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “Everyone can use the Strategy’s vision and goals as ‘North Stars’ to champion Colorado’s outdoors and coordinate efforts to achieve key outcomes for the state. The success of Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy hinges on partnerships to work together toward common goals and solutions.”  

    The Strategy comes to life through 9 objectives and 33 coordinating partner actions, along with a Resource Hub, offering free online data, mapping tools, and other resources to support conservation, outdoor recreation, and climate resilience planning. Available to public and private partners, the hub streamlines collaboration and enhances planning efforts for the outdoors. It currently provides:  

    • An interactive data dashboard with state and county scale information, data, and links for conservation, outdoor recreation, and climate resilience.  
    • An interactive plan library that is searchable for federal, regional, state, and county scale conservation, outdoor recreation, and climate resilience plans in Colorado.
    • Planning resources and guidance for conservation, outdoor recreation, and climate resilience.  
    • A statewide Guidance Framework for Tribal Collaboration in Conservation, Outdoor Recreation, and Climate Resilience.  
    • An interactive Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Resource and Action Guide that is searchable by topic area.  
    • Colorado’s Conservation Data Explorer (CODEX) and StoryMap with conservation, outdoor recreation, and climate resilience mapping tools.  

    Coordinating partners worked to develop the Strategy and Resource Hub over the past year. Other key partners contributed to the effort including state, federal, and local governments; Tribal Nations; private and agricultural land/water rights owners and managers; local communities; Colorado Regional Partnerships Initiative; Colorado Outdoor Partnership; and diverse private and public sector partners in conservation, restoration, outdoor recreation, stewardship, climate resilience, and equity, diversity, and inclusion.  

    “Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy is a bold, collaborative vision for the future of our state’s great outdoors. With leadership from the Department of Natural Resources, Great Outdoors Colorado, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Outdoor Recreation Office, and the Governor’s office, we’ve developed an innovative framework that will guide how we protect and steward Colorado’s landscapes — making them more climate-resilient, while also ensuring exceptional recreational opportunities are accessible to all. Our outdoors are more than just playgrounds — they are the heart of our Colorado way of life. But they’re under pressure — from population growth, increasing visitation, climate change, wildfires, and drought. To help tackle these challenges, we’ve spent the last few years listening — to communities, to experts, to everyday Coloradans — and crafting a strategy that reflects our shared commitment to protecting what makes this state so special. We’re proud of the work that’s been done, and even more excited about what comes next,” said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Natural Resources.

    “As Colorado’s significant outdoor industry continues to grow, the Colorado Outdoor Strategy offers a vital roadmap for balancing economic opportunity with environmental stewardship and conservation. It empowers communities, businesses, and land managers to work together in building a future where our landscapes are resilient, recreation is sustainable, and access is equitable. This strategy reflects our shared belief that the outdoors are central to Colorado’s identity, economy, and way of life—and that we all have a role in protecting them,” said Conor Hall, Director, Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office.

    “Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy boosts Colorado’s technical chops, partner collaboration and funding menu to answer the question; how do we ensure our wild places, wildlife and wild opportunities thrive even while accounting for a changing climate and growing state. The Office of Climate Preparedness is proud to see this multi-year effort launch, advancing Colorado’s preparedness for a climate impacted future, building a state of the art technical foundation, on which state, local and federal partnerships can work together to realize a flourishing future for Colorado’s outdoors,” said Jonathan Asher, Director, Governor’s Office of Climate Preparedness & Disaster Recovery.

    “Colorado’s outdoor champions are showing their strength. The strategy is a testament to the power of partnership. United by a shared vision and leveraging the best available research, data, and resources, we are equipped to make decisions that will protect Colorado’s landscapes, foster vibrant communities, and improve Coloradans’ quality of life for years to come,” said GOCO’s Executive Director Jackie Miller. “We’ve accomplished so much already, and we’re just getting started.”  

    “The Nature Conservancy in Colorado is proud to have offered our science, insights, and expertise to help develop Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy. We are excited to be part of this historic milestone for conservation, outdoor recreation, and climate resilience, and we believe it will have far-reaching and meaningful impacts to benefit our lands, waters, recreation, and economy. Efforts like Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy show that we can work together to find solutions that benefit people and nature,” said Carlos Fernández, Colorado State Director, The Nature Conservancy.

    “The Strategy’s Guidance Framework for Tribal Collaboration offers a much-needed approach to ensuring that Tribes are actively involved in decision-making processes, and we appreciate the opportunity to contribute our expertise and traditional knowledge to help shape the direction of this work. By supporting this framework, our focus is to enhance Tribal participation in land and water management decisions, protect sacred lands, and preserve ecosystems that are vital to the health and well-being of our communities,” said Chairman Melvin J. Baker of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.

    “To plan for recreation and conservation as separate pursuits would be like planting two halves of a tree on opposite sides of the forest — they will grow at the same time, but they will never form the same canopy. The health of the land requires harmony, not division. The Colorado Outdoor Strategy offers a way to manage the needs of wildlife and the wanderings of people in concert,” said Patt Dorsey, West Region Director of Conservation Operations, National Wild Turkey Federation.

    “Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy is a voluntary collaborative partnership for agriculture, conservation and recreation possibilities, whilst safeguarding Agriculture integrity and productivity,” said Tony Hass, Las Animas County Commissioner and Manager, Walking Y Ranch.

    “I am immensely grateful to have been chosen as a member of the Colorado Outdoors Strategy Steering Committee. The Strategy has the potential of memorializing a comprehensive approach to the symbiotic relationship between recreation and conservation that exists in Colorado and fairly makes this state a mecca for high quality experiences,” said Janelle Kukuk, Former State Trails Member, snowmobile at-large.

    “Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy represents years of hard work by countless communities, organizations and individuals, but more importantly it represents a collective commitment to look forward in a proactive and inclusive manner to avoid the mistakes of our past. Our ability to address the challenges of climate change, wildlife habitat loss and fragmentation, and fostering equitable and inclusive outdoor recreation opportunities requires collaboration from all stakeholders and Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy provides the framework for our local Regional Partnership Initiatives to envision what they want their communities to invest in for the future, a future that all Coloradans now have a stake in because of the Strategy,” said Luke Shafer, West Slope Director, Conservation Colorado.

    “Envision is excited to see Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy launch. Since 2016, Envision has been listening to residents and visitors and taking action with community and agency partners to sustain the healthy forests, waters, wildlife, working agricultural landscapes and exceptional outdoor recreation that make Chaffee County and Colorado such a special place to live and to visit. The Strategy offers a statewide framework to connect and empower grassroots efforts and organizations like ours to do more to protect the Colorado we love together,” said Cindy Williams, Chair, Envision Chaffee County.

    “Strategic approaches have been the cornerstone for much of the success around land conservation and outdoor recreation state-wide. Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy represents a cohesive and forward thinking approach to how we continue to balance the conservation of key landscapes that characterize the beauty and sustainability of our state while at the same time providing for meaningful outdoor experiences,” said Daylan Figgs, Director, Larimer County Natural Resources.

    “Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy cohesively aligns with Larimer County’s vision for the future by outlining a pathway to conserve its vibrant natural resources and valuable outdoor experiences. It is clear the challenges we face as a state are not unique to any one of us alone. The Strategy guides our future as partners in solving issues collectively, strengthening our resiliency as we face the future,” said Jody Shadduck-McNally, Larimer County Commissioner.

    “COS is a transformative path to a future where Colorado’s nature, people, and ways of life endure and thrive. The Colorado Natural Heritage Program is proud to have been a partner on the project team, helping to build a legacy of planning tools to inform decision-making in climate-resilient conservation, exceptional and sustainable outdoor recreation, and coordinated planning and funding. We are thrilled to host the map layers from COS on Colorado’s Conservation Data Explorer (CODEX), a collaborative space where all Coloradans can explore these tools and use them to drive sustainable investment in Colorado’s future. CNHP will use COS tools across our program, including our five-year Statewide Natural Heritage Survey, in which we are leveling up Colorado’s conservation data in the service of the COS, the Regional Partnership Initiative, and all of Colorado’s communities,” said David Anderson, Director and Chief Scientist, Colorado Natural Heritage Program, Colorado State University.

    “The love of the outdoors brings Coloradoans together. The COS is a voluntary partnership and tool that will help communities and regions celebrate and enhance access to Colorado’s innate natural beauty,” said Kelly Flenniken, Executive Director, Colorado Counties, Inc.

    “I am thrilled to see the release of Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy after years working with stakeholders from around the state to address community needs and find a balance between conservation and outdoor recreation. BLM depends on partnerships with the state and local communities to meet the needs of the over 10 million visitors each year to BLM public lands, which generate over $1.5 billion in economic impact each year. This new strategy continues Colorado’s leadership in fostering collaboration between hunters, anglers, boaters, climbers, equestrians, mountain bikers, OHVers, and so many more partners, to steward our incredible public lands,” said Doug Vilsack, Colorado State Director, Bureau of Land Management.

    “Colorado has thousands of miles of incredible rivers that hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors flock to every year. American Whitewater is very excited about the direction and guidance Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy will provide. This effort is sure to protect our incredible recreational resources and vital ecosystems for many future generations,” said Hattie Johnson, Southern Rockies Restoration Director, American Whitewater.

    “COS provides navigational guidance and robust tools to integrate wildlife conservation needs and outdoor recreation desires,” said Suzanne O’Neill, Colorado Wildlife Federation.

    “Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy was born to help Coloradans enjoy robust wildlife populations, awe-inspiring landscapes, fulfilling recreational opportunities, and strong economies. But this future is only possible through informed planning followed by strategic action that avoids, minimizes, and mitigates adverse impacts to important habitats. Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy helps pave the way for community-developed, interdisciplinary plans that simultaneously conserve our wildlife and wild places and support sustainable recreation for all people,” Liz Rose, Colorado Program Manager, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.

    “We at the Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance are excited to see the launch of Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy for so many reasons. Among them, in our own partnerships, we’ve been able to utilize the data collection and resources that will now be available to us across the state. We leveraged the Strategy’s statewide conservation summary data and worked with local expertise to build a Pikes Peak Region conservation summary, which will inform planning and decision making moving forward. The Strategy’s north star goals support exceptional recreation and exceptional conservation of our natural resources. Our regional partnership’s advancement of a new land management partnership on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain will support the Strategy, and we look forward to seeing it develop,” said Becky Leinweber, Executive Director, PPORA leading Outdoor Pikes Peak Initiative.

    Moving forward, Colorado Parks and Wildlife will steward Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy by coordinating collaborative leadership and implementation with GOCO, the Department of Natural Resources, Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, and the Governor’s Office, along with other agencies and partners.

    For more information, or to access Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy Resource Hub, visit the website.

    ###
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: A golden era for personalized medicine is approaching, but are we ready?

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Nazia Pathan, PhD, Postdoctoral Researcher, Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University

    Biobanks have become some of the most transformative tools in medical research, enabling scientists to study the relationships between genes, health and disease on an unprecedented scale (Piqsels/Siyya)

    If there’s a disease that seems to run in your family, if you’ve had a negative reaction to a drug or wondered why a standard treatment didn’t work on you, the answers may lie in your genes.

    The unique sequence of DNA that acts as a blueprint for building and maintaining your body often plays a major role in shaping your predisposition to diseases and reactions to drugs.

    Genes in the DNA make proteins, which can act as biomarkers or influence other types of biomarkers. Biomarkers are molecules in the body that help measure health conditions, such as those detected in blood or urine tests.

    Blood glucose, for example, is a biomarker for diabetes, cholesterol levels can be biomarkers for heart diseases and albumin is a protein used to assess kidney and liver functions.

    Tailoring treatments

    By understanding a patient’s unique genetic profile, biomarker readings and lifestyle information, doctors could tailor the most effective and safest treatments for that individual.

    Genetics offer the opportunity for individualized health care that can improve patient outcomes, save lives and alleviate strain on the health-care system.

    This is the promise of personalized medicine, which is already making a difference in areas such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, mental health and rare diseases.

    The question is, are we prepared to seize this golden opportunity in Canada?

    Genetic testing and data

    Canadians are not averse to genetic testing. By 2018, a survey by Abacus Data showed around 11 per cent of Canadian adults had used direct-to-consumer genetic testing and analysis kits, and 60 per cent were open to ordering a test.

    This level of interest highlights a general acceptance of and readiness for genetic advancements in health care, which is encouraging, since we need much more reliable, population-level genetic information to make the most of this opportunity.

    Current genetic data is either scattered across relatively small, fragmented groups, which is severely limiting from a broader research perspective, or held by private companies. These companies have varying regulatory standards, raising concerns about privacy and data security, especially if a company is financially unstable or ceases to exist. This recently occurred when genetic testing company 23andMe filed for bankruptcy.



    Read more:
    With 23andMe filing for bankruptcy, what happens to consumers’ genetic data?

    The better model is publicly managed biobanks, which prioritize broad societal health over profit and offer stronger data protection through robust regulation of access, storage and usage. Strict oversight ensures the protection of individual privacy while promoting transparency.

    The potential of biobanks

    In this age of big data, biobanks have become some of the most transformative tools in medical research, enabling scientists to study the relationships between genes, health and disease on an unprecedented scale.

    This is possible because of technological advancements that allow large-scale genetic and biomarker testing, the adoption of cloud-based servers, and improvements in statistical modelling, machine learning and artificial intelligence.

    Establishing a biobank begins with collecting small amounts (five to 10 millilitres) of blood, saliva or tissue from consenting participants in the presence of health experts.

    Biobanks use next-generation sequencers to perform the genetic sequences at high speed, while the latest proteomics platforms enable measurement of thousands different biomarkers from a very small amount of blood. The resulting genetic and biomarker profiles are curated and made accessible through platforms like a national library.

    Countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States are paving the way with national efforts such as the UK Biobank and the All of Us Research Program.

    The British Biobank houses genetic and health data from more than 500,000 participants. Similarly, the U.S. program aims to enrol more than one million participants.

    Genomics in Canada

    As a genetic epidemiologist, I have had the opportunity to identify several potential genetic targets by using these treasure troves of information.

    The problem is that we don’t yet have a ready way of knowing if the results are directly applicable to the Canadian population.

    This is about to change. Genome Canada has launched the Canadian Precision Health Initiative to sequence the genomes of at least 100,000 Canadians.

    Biobanks enable scientists to study the relationships between genes, health and disease on an unprecedented scale.
    (Pixabay/Shameersrk)

    A Pan-Canadian Genome Library (PCGL) is also in the works to harmonize genetic data produced across Canada. It aims to capture, store and provide access to Canadian genomic data in a secure and ethical manner. Although this work is in the developmental phase, and the target population size remains unclear, these efforts are significant.

    These visions are closer to becoming a reality with the recent announcement of a $200 million investment in the Canadian Precision Health initiative. This is in addition to the more than $1 billion previously invested in health genomics research projects.

    These funds will support Canada’s Genomic centres, the PCGL, and enhance the translation of genomics into real-world applications, boosting the development of personalized medicine and advanced diagnostics to treat diseases.

    A potential model for the world

    Canada, with its uniquely diverse population, has a rare opportunity to lead the way in equitable, multi-ethnic genetic research that would address current biases that predominantly focus on individuals with European ancestry.

    This would ensure that everyone in Canada, including Indigenous communities, can benefit from this health-care revolution in an equitable, ethical and safe manner that balances privacy with the opportunities for groundbreaking research.

    With public trust and robust oversight, and making population-level data internationally accessible, Canada’s biobank initiative could become a model for the world in the golden era of personalized medicine.

    Nazia Pathan, PhD 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. A golden era for personalized medicine is approaching, but are we ready? – https://theconversation.com/a-golden-era-for-personalized-medicine-is-approaching-but-are-we-ready-250336

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The origin story of the Anzac biscuit is largely myth – but that shouldn’t obscure the history of women during the war

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Garritt C. Van Dyk, Senior Lecturer in History, University of Waikato

    Australian Comforts Fund buffet in Longueval, France, 1916. Australian War Memorial

    The Anzac biscuit is a cultural icon, infused with mythical value, representing the connection between women on the home front and soldiers serving overseas during the first world war.

    A baked good developed to survive the trip to the trenches and lift the spirits of the troops has the seductive appeal of folklore specific to Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

    There is another story linked to the myth, however, about women who worked to provide necessities and small comforts to those serving in the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.

    The Anzac biscuit myth

    Soldiers at the front had biscuits, of a sort, in their rations but these were more like 18th century “ship’s biscuit”, or hard tack, called “tile”, “wafers”, or “army biscuits”.

    Made from flour, water and dry milk, tile was nonperishable and didn’t get mouldy, but it was so hard it had to be soaked before eating to avoid cracking a tooth. Soldiers would sometimes grate the moistened biscuit and cook it with water for an improvised porridge.

    The biscuits were so tough that soldiers even used them as stationery.

    Cakes and biscuits in sealed tins were requested as donations from the public, but had to meet requirements to ensure they would not spoil by the time they arrived.

    It is unlikely Anzac biscuits made according to today’s recipe were packed in tins by mothers, wives and girlfriends and shipped overseas to soldiers. As a matter of practicality, shredded coconut included in the recipe would have probably become rancid in transit.

    Australia soldiers at Ribemont, France, opening parcels from the Australian Comforts Fund, March 1917.
    Australian War Memorial

    The idea of our modern Anzac biscuits being sent to the front line is most likely an invented tradition, created after the fact. The first thing we would recognise as our current recipe did not appear until 1927.

    But women were sending biscuits, and more, to their men on the front lines in the crucial role of providing creature comforts.

    The War Chest Cookery Book

    The Australian Comforts Fund was a national group founded in 1916 to coordinate state volunteer organisations, run mainly by women.

    The War Chest Cookery Book, published in 1917.
    Trove

    In 1917, the New South Wales branch printed the The War Chest Cookery Book. Paid advertisements on every page allowed the fund to donate all proceeds from the sale of the cookbook “to substantially augment the funds of the War Chest”.

    In this book we find the first printed recipe for a biscuit with “Anzac” in the title. The recipe bears no resemblance to today’s version, except for the name. Neither oats nor coconut were included. Instead, the recipe called for eggs, rice flour, cinnamon and mixed spice, and the baked biscuits were sandwiched together with jam and topped with icing.

    The motto of the Australian Comforts Fund, “keep the fit man fit”, differentiated their mission from the lifesaving supplies delivered by the Red Cross.

    The war chest allowed the distribution of nonessential items that included necessities like such as socks, mittens and singlets, but also comforts of home like such as pyjamas, razor blades and tobacco.

    Special shipments included morale boosters like such as Christmas hampers with plum puddings, gramophones, sporting goods, postcards and pencils.

    Women from the Australian Comforts Fund distributing packages to soldiers in Abbassieh, Egypt, during the first world war.
    State Library Victoria

    Women in the fund also ran canteens near the front serving soup, coffee, tea, and cocoa. The fund provided twelve million mugs of hot drinks between January 1917 and June 1918 alone.

    A soldier’s memoir from the winter of 1916 in the Somme recalled how the promise of the kitchen kept him going:

    We desire to acknowledge our debt to the Australian Comforts Fund. Their soup kitchen was the goal to which even the weariest man persevered during the dreadful outward journeys from the line.

    A dubious debut: not your Nan’s Anzac biscuit

    Today, Anzac biscuits baked for commercial production and sale must adhere to the Australian Department of Veteran Affairs Guidelines, established in 1994, which regulate the use of the word Anzac (and prohibit the use of the word “cookie” to describe them).

    This first iteration of Anzac biscuits would most certainly not comply with the guidelines as they “substantially deviate from the accepted recipe” which features ingredients including oats, golden syrup and coconut.

    Two other recipes in the War Chest Cookbook for rolled oat biscuits are closer, and omit eggs, but they lack the binding power of golden syrup and the characteristic crunch of desiccated coconut.

    The combination of oats and golden syrup first appears in the Melbourne newspaper The Argus on September 15 1920 when Josephine, from East Brunswick, contributed her recipe for “ANZAC Biscuits or Crispies”.

    A recipe for Anzac biscuits with “cocoanut” was not published until the late 1920s, in the Brisbane Sunday Mail on June 26 1927.

    This late introduction of the full recipe is a reminder that while biscuits got sent overseas, they were not the “official” Anzac biscuits we know today.

    A recipe for Anzac biscuits with ‘cocoanut’ was not published until the late 1920s.
    May Lawrence/Unsplash

    The story behind the biscuit

    Defining and preserving the identity of the Anzac biscuit affirms a tangible symbol of national identity. While the recipe may have been invented after the fact, a consistent standard encourages the continuity of remembrance through the uniformity of a shared tradition.

    Women packing food for the Australian Comfort Fund’s war chests.
    Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

    The myth of domestic bakers dispatching this specific recipe to soldiers, however, should not eclipse the efforts of the Australian Comforts Fund, fundraising on a national scale, and running makeshift canteens in a war zone.

    Women weren’t just baking in their kitchens: they were organising and delivering resources at home and overseas, benefiting soldiers at the front lines.

    Garritt C. Van Dyk has received funding from the Getty Research Institute.

    – ref. The origin story of the Anzac biscuit is largely myth – but that shouldn’t obscure the history of women during the war – https://theconversation.com/the-origin-story-of-the-anzac-biscuit-is-largely-myth-but-that-shouldnt-obscure-the-history-of-women-during-the-war-252039

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Tremors, seizures and paralysis: this brain disorder is more common than multiple sclerosis – but often goes undiagnosed

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Benjamin Scrivener, PhD Candidate, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

    Kateryna Kon/Shutterstock

    Imagine suddenly losing the ability to move a limb, walk or speak. You would probably recognise this as a medical emergency and get to hospital.

    Now imagine the doctors at the hospital run some tests and then say, “Good news! All your tests were normal, clear scans, and nothing is wrong. You can go home!” Yet, you are still experiencing very real and disabling symptoms.

    Unfortunately, this is the experience of many people with functional neurological disorder. Even worse, some are blamed and reprimanded for exaggerating or faking their symptoms.

    So, what is this disorder, and why is it so challenging to recognise and treat?

    What is functional neurological disorder?

    Neurological disorders are conditions that affect how the nervous system works. The nervous system sends and receives messages between the brain and other parts of your body to regulate a wide range of functions, such as movement, speaking, vision, thinking and digestion.

    To the untrained eye, functional neurological disorder can resemble other conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis or epilepsy.

    But, unlike these conditions, functional neurological symptoms aren’t due to damage or a disease process affecting the nervous system. This means the disorder doesn’t appear on routine brain imaging and other tests.

    Functional symptoms are, instead, due to dysfunction in the processing of information between several brain networks. Simply put, it’s a problem of the brain’s software, not the hardware.

    What are the symptoms?

    Functional neurological disorder can produce a kaleidoscope of diverse and changing symptoms. This often adds to confusion for patients and make diagnosis more challenging.

    Symptoms may include paralysis or abnormal movements such as tremors, jerks and tics. This often leads to difficulty walking or coordinating movements.

    Sensory symptoms may involve numbness, tingling or loss of vision.

    Dissociative symptoms, such as functional seizures and blackouts, are also common.

    Some people experience cognitive symptoms including brain fog or problems finding the right words. Fatigue and chronic pain frequently coexist with these symptoms.

    These symptoms can be severe and distressing and, without treatment, can persist for years. For example, some people with functional neurological disorder cannot walk and must use a wheelchair for decades.

    Diagnosis involves identifying established diagnostic signs and ensuring no other diagnoses are missed. This process is best carried out by an experienced neurologist or neuropsychiatrist.

    Functional neurological disorder can affect movement and some people may be unable to walk.
    Fit Ztudio/Shutterstock

    How common is it?

    Functional neurological disorder is one of the most common medical conditions seen in emergency care and in outpatient neurology clinics.

    It affects around 10–22 people per 100,000 per year. This makes it more common than multiple sclerosis.

    Despite this, it is often under-recognised and misunderstood by health-care professionals. This leads to delays in diagnosis and treatment.

    This lack of awareness also contributes to the perception that it’s rare, when it’s actually common among neurological disorders.

    Who does functional neurological disorder affect?

    This condition can affect anyone, although it is more common in women and younger people. Around two thirds of patients are female, but this gender disparity reduces with age.

    Understanding of the disorder has developed significantly over the past few decades, but there’s still more to learn. Several biological, psychological, and social factors can predispose people.

    Genetics, traumatic life experiences, anxiety and depression can increase the risk. Stressful life events, illness, or physical injuries can trigger or worsen existing symptoms.

    But not everyone with the disorder has experienced significant trauma or stress.

    How is it treated?

    If left untreated, about half the people with this condition will remain the same or their symptoms will worsen. However, with the help of experienced clinicians, many people can make rapid recoveries when treatment starts early.

    There are no specific medications for functional neurological disorder but personalised rehabilitation guided by experienced clinicians is recommended.

    Some people may need a team of multidisciplinary clinicians that may include physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychologists and doctors.

    People also need accurate information about their condition, because understanding and beliefs about the disorder play an important role in recovery. Accurate information helps patients to develop more realistic expectations, reduces anxiety and can empower people to be more active in their recovery.

    Treating common co-existing conditions, such as anxiety or depression, can also be helpful.

    Symptoms can include headaches and brain fog.
    PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

    A dark history

    The origins of the disorder are deeply rooted in the sexist history of its pre-scientific ancestor – hysteria. The legacy of hysteria has cast a long shadow, contributing to a misogynistic bias in perception and treatment. This historical context has led to ongoing stigma, where symptoms were often labelled as psychological and not warranting treatment.

    Women with functional symptoms often face scepticism and dismissal. In some cases, significant harm occurs through stigmatisation, inadequate care and poor management. Modern medicine has attempted to address these biases by recognising functional neurological disorder as a legitimate condition.

    A lack of education for medical professionals likely contributes to stigma. Many clinicians report low confidence and knowledge about their ability to manage the disorder.

    A bright future?

    Fortunately, awareness, research and interest has grown over the past decade. Many treatment approaches are being trialled, including specialist physiotherapy, psychological therapies and non-invasive brain stimulation.

    Patient-led organisations and support networks are making headway advocating for improvements in health systems, research and education. The goal is to unite patients, their families, clinicians, and researchers to advance a new standard of care across the world.

    Benjamin Scrivener receives funding from the Health Research Council of New Zealand and is a supporting member of Functional Neurological Disorder Aotearoa.

    – ref. Tremors, seizures and paralysis: this brain disorder is more common than multiple sclerosis – but often goes undiagnosed – https://theconversation.com/tremors-seizures-and-paralysis-this-brain-disorder-is-more-common-than-multiple-sclerosis-but-often-goes-undiagnosed-250501

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: When ‘equal’ does not mean ‘the same’: Liberals still do not understand their women problem

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Carol Johnson, Emerita Professor, Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Adelaide

    “Women’s” issues are once again playing a significant role in the election debate as Labor and the Liberals trade barbs over which parties’ policies will benefit women most. In the latest salvo, the opposition has announced a $90 million package to combat family and domestic violence.

    However, perversely, the Liberals’ women’s policy may be being constrained by their very concept of equality. That conception worked very effectively in the Coalition’s successful populist campaign against the Voice referendum. Peter Dutton and Jacinta Nampijinpa Price argued true equality involved treating everyone the same. They therefore claimed the Voice referendum was divisive and would give Indigenous Australians additional rights denied to non-Indigenous Australians.

    In Dutton’s view, “egalitarianism” involves “pushing back on identity politics”. This in turn means emphasising people as individuals rather than as members of social groups.

    However, that conception of equality is arguably compounding the Liberals’ “women problem”. It helps to explain the debacle of the Liberals’ original opposition to public servants working from home (WFH) and their subsequent humiliating policy backdown.

    Director of Redbridge polling, Kos Samaras, argued the WFH policy was particularly unpopular with women, and had helped drive many women previously alienated by cost of living pressures back to Labor.

    Dutton admitted the Coalition had got the policy wrong after “listening to what people have to say”. Anthony Albanese quickly accused the opposition leader of not understanding how women and men in modern families manage their lives. Labor also suggested Dutton couldn’t be trusted not to reintroduce his WFH policies if elected.

    Astonishingly, Shadow Minister for the Public Service Jane Hume stated the WFH policy had gone through “all the appropriate processes”, including apparently being taken to shadow cabinet.

    Yet, somehow those processes had not rejected a policy that would have a particularly detrimental effect on women. After all, in a highly gendered society, women still tend to carry the majority of caring responsibilities. These include looking after children, so flexible work is particularly important to them.

    Nonetheless, Hume claimed “it was not a gendered policy”. She blamed the backlash on a Labor and trade union disinformation campaign that suggested the policy would be extended to the private sector.

    The formal Liberal WFH policy had indeed been intended as a populist attack on federal public servants. However, not only do public sector conditions often influence private sector ones, but Hume had suggested it would be good if the private sector could “instil the sense of discipline that we want to instil in the public service”.

    The WFH debacle reflects a Liberal failure to recognise the specific circumstances women face in a highly gendered society. This in turn means policies can affect women differently from men. It is a direct consequence of thinking equality means treating everyone the same, thereby reducing people to abstract individuals regardless of social structures and forms of social inequality that can disadvantage particular groups.

    The lapse is particularly surprising in Hume’s case, given she officially co-signed the report into the Liberal party’s 2022 election defeat. The report emphasised that the then prime minister, Scott Morrison, “was not attuned to the concerns of women and was unresponsive to issues of importance to them.”

    As a result, deputy leader of the Liberal Party and Shadow Minister for Women Sussan Ley promised to listen to women and bring them back to the Liberal Party.

    However, both Hume and Ley also have a history of downplaying structural forms of inequality.

    As an assistant minister in the Morrison government, Hume was criticised for suggesting women’s poor superannuation position was due to financial illiteracy rather than emphasising structural issues such as low pay in female-dominated professions and career interruptions due to caring responsibilities.

    Meanwhile, Ley had discounted Labor criticisms of gender-blind Morrison government budget measures by arguing:

    what you hear from the opposition is this long, ongoing, bleak, dreary narrative about entrenched disadvantage. And, you know, it’s just so last century. I see the opportunities for women in the modern world […].

    Hume’s defence of the proposed restrictions on public service WFH was that women were also taxpayers and so had an interest in ensuring taxpayer-funded public servants were productive.

    Her comments were reminiscent of then treasurer Morrison’s notoriously gender-blind response to criticisms that his inequitable tax cuts were more likely to benefit men, because men were generally higher paid than women. Morrison totally missed the critics’ point, asserting :

    You don’t fill out pink forms and blue forms on your tax return. It doesn’t look at what your gender is […].

    More recently, Ley has been criticised for supporting the abolition of Labor’s free TAFE policy, claiming it was unfunded, hadn’t been properly evaluated: “if you don’t pay for something, you don’t value it”.

    However, the ACTU has argued the policy had particularly benefited financially stressed women and First Nations people in the outer suburbs and regions.

    Furthermore, Dutton struggled to answer when a reporter pointed out that the Liberal campaign launch had mainly focused on men, and asked what he offered modern working women. Dutton emphasised the implications of his home-buying policies for homeless women, his record of protecting women from domestic violence and that both men and women would benefit from Liberal economic policies. But he didn’t mention policies specifically designed to address gender inequality.

    By contrast, a Labor answer would have emphasised a slew of government policies specifically aimed at improving gender equality. These include addressing issues such as historically low pay in female dominated industries, especially those that reflected an undervaluing of feminised caring work. Labor’s policies recognise that women are structurally disadvantaged in the Australian economy.

    All too often, the Liberals still don’t seem to get it. Treating people the “same” doesn’t take into account that various social groups are disadvantaged in Australian society. Consequently, what are intended to be general policies can affect some social groups differently from others.

    Good policy takes such issues into account. The Liberals have not learned sufficiently from the major failings of the Morrison government, whose policies were regularly criticised for being gender-blind.

    Yet, the Liberal party once had a more nuanced conception of equality. An earlier social liberal-influenced view both acknowledged patterns of social disadvantage and believed government had an important role to play in addressing it.

    However, the party has increasingly moved away from social liberal perspectives. This is despite the efforts of more moderate Liberals, including key Liberal feminists. Now “social liberal” perspectives are more likely to be found among some of the Teal independents, many of whom would once have been at home in the Liberal Party.

    The failure to return to a more nuanced version of equality is not only contributing to Liberal policy missteps in regards to women. It is also making it harder for Dutton to differentiate himself from an electorally damaging, anti-woke, “strongman” association with US President Donald Trump.

    After all, Trump also believes equality means treating people the same. This is exactly how he justifies his attacks on “illegal” diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies.

    Dutton is reportedly preparing an additional policy pitch to women, as new polling confirms the Liberals’ share of the women’s vote is falling.

    However, if Dutton and Ley really want to listen to Australian women, and make a more effective Liberal appeal to women voters, they need to develop a broader understanding of equality that takes structural disadvantage into account.

    Carol Johnson has received funding from the Australian Research Council

    – ref. When ‘equal’ does not mean ‘the same’: Liberals still do not understand their women problem – https://theconversation.com/when-equal-does-not-mean-the-same-liberals-still-do-not-understand-their-women-problem-254567

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The gambling industry has women in its sights. Why aren’t policymakers paying attention?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Simone McCarthy, Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Commercial Determinants of Health, Deakin University

    Wpadington/Shutterstock

    Whatever the code, whatever the season, Australian sports fans are bombarded with gambling ads.

    Drawing on Australians’ passion, loyalty and pride for sport, the devastating health and social consequences of gambling – including financial stress, homelessness, family violence, and mental health issues – are largely sidelined.

    Instead, ads continue to normalise gambling, encouraging punters to embrace mateship and “have a crack” on gambling apps.

    A missed opportunity

    This prolific advertising has continued despite the findings of a landmark Australian parliamentary inquiry in 2022, which made 31 recommendations to curb the tactics of the gambling industry.

    Chair of the inquiry, the late Peta Murphy MP, concluded:

    If the status quo of online gambling regulation, including but not limited to advertising, was to continue, Australians would continue to lose more – more money, more relationships, more love of sport for the game rather than the odds.

    However, instead of acting on the major findings of the report, the Australian government indefinitely shelved any meaningful advertising reforms after meeting with major sporting codes, broadcasters and the gambling industry.

    Instead, we have been left to settle for a range of soft options, including taglines at the end of ads that encourage us to: “imagine what you could be buying instead”.

    It’s hard to be convinced these calls to action are having much impact compared to the seductive tactics of the gambling industry, with gambling losses continuing to spiral during a cost-of-living crisis.



    Read more:
    The gambling industry is pulling out all the stops to prevent an ad ban, but the evidence is against it

    A new market

    While the government hesitates to act on gambling ads, the gambling industry has a new set of customers in its promotional sights: women.

    Public perception is that most forms of gambling are largely male-dominated.

    However, in Victoria, 51% of women gamble each year (compared to 56% of men), and in NSW, 48.5% of women gamble (compared to 58.7% of men).

    Women are also gambling regularly. The 2023 Victorian Population Gambling and Health study found that of those women who gamble, 22.8% do so at least once a week (compared to 29.3% of men).

    Our research shows a combination of new marketing strategies, easy-to-use technology and social activities aligned with gambling venues and products may be changing the way women (and girls) think about and participate in gambling.

    How it begins

    For some young women it is a tradition to “go down to the pokies” or the casino when they turn 18.

    Some visit these venues for other entertainment options and end up gambling. For others, gambling ads encourage them to open online accounts. As one 25-year-old woman told us:

    That’s how I started sports betting, because it was on TV. Bonus bet, sign up today. Okay, that sounds good. So that’s what got me in.

    Young women are also diversifying their gambling across multiple products, with technology making it more accessible, easier and more socially acceptable.

    This includes women betting with groups of friends, but also on their own:

    You’ll sit around and all watch the footy, but you’ll all be gambling because it’s just more accessible. It’s easy. Also, I think it’s easier for females to go and seek it out on their own too, you know, if they have the app available. It’s not like they’re going up to someone at the pub and betting.

    Parents have even told us their daughters and their friends now talk about the outcomes of sporting matches based on the odds of the game.

    A different landscape

    Gambling companies and events, including racing, are also reshaping the image of gambling, making it seem fun and glamorous.

    This includes embedding gambling into spaces and experiences that align with women’s social and lifestyle interests, such as fashion and beauty, and peer group belonging.

    In racing, gambling is embedded as part of an overall experience for women. As one 23-year-old told us:

    I went to the races with my friends. We dressed up pretty and went, and that was like a girl’s day out thing […] I bet on horses just like once, just like for fun, as part of the experience.

    New gambling products are branded to appeal to women, and betting markets are now offered on popular reality shows such as Married at First Sight, the box office numbers for the opening weekend of the new Snow White movie, who will win Eurovision, and Time’s Person of the Year.

    But it is perhaps the use of celebrities and social media influencers that may have the most appeal to women and more concerningly, girls.

    Women influencers on TikTok and Instagram promote betting as an extension of social activities.

    In our recent study one 13-year-old girl told us:

    When you recognise someone from an ad, it makes it more interesting and it makes you want to watch it more.

    Gambling companies are also sponsoring women’s sports, supporting women’s health initiatives, and even aligning with International Women’s Day.

    We’ve seen this approach before

    The gambling industry is following a well-worn playbook, one mastered by the tobacco industry: when their core market of men became saturated, Big Tobacco turned its attention to women, crafting targeted marketing strategies and novel products to engage new, long-term consumers.

    However, rather than learning the lessons from tobacco, policymakers have been slow to recognise and respond to the playbook of the gambling industry.

    If we want to disrupt the status quo and prevent harm for all Australians, we must take action against the gambling industry and its tactics, rather than the individual, as the key vector of harm.

    Dr Simone McCarthy has received funding for gambling and related research from ACT Office of Gaming and Racing Commision, the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, VicHealth, Department of Social Services, and Deakin University. She is currently a member of the Editorial Board of Health Promotion International.

    Dr Hannah Pitt has received funding from the Australian Research Council. Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, VicHealth, NSW Office of Responsible Gambling, Department of Social Services, ACT Office of Gambling and Racing Commission, and Deakin University. She is currently a member of the Editorial Board of Health Promotion International.

    Professor Samantha Thomas has received funding for gambling and related research from the Australian Research Council, ACT Office of Gaming and Racing, Department of Social Services, VicHealth, Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, Healthway, NSW Office of Responsible Gambling, Deakin University. She is currently Editor in Chief for Health Promotion International an Oxford University Press journal. She receives an honorarium for this role.

    – ref. The gambling industry has women in its sights. Why aren’t policymakers paying attention? – https://theconversation.com/the-gambling-industry-has-women-in-its-sights-why-arent-policymakers-paying-attention-251914

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The billions spent on NZ’s accomodation supplement is failing to make rent affordable – so what will?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Edward Yiu, Associate Professor, School of Business, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

    Pixelbliss/Shutterstock

    New Zealand’s unaffordable housing market has left many low and middle-income families reliant on the accommodation supplement to cover rent and mortgage payments.

    But our new research has found the scheme, which costs the government almost NZ$5 billion a year, might not be an effective tool in addressing the country’s housing affordability crisis.

    Introduced in 1993, the accommodation supplement is a weekly, means-tested payment designed to subsidise part of a household’s rent or mortgage. The supplement is calculated independently of actual rent or mortgage payments.

    But our study looking at data from Auckland between 2019 and 2023 found accommodation supplement rental subsidies were not delivering meaningful improvements in affordability for renters. Subsidies used to support mortgage payments, however, appeared to be more effective in offering relief to low-income households wanting stable and affordable housing.

    Our results raise questions about whether the current policy of subsidising private rentals is working to address housing affordability in New Zealand.

    Renters left behind

    Our study compared the proportion of household disposable income spent on rent between households receiving the supplement versus those in the same income group who did not receive it.

    The results revealed a striking gap.

    In 2023 renters in the middle-income bracket who received the accommodation supplement were spending, on average, 35.6% of their income (including the supplement) on rent. Similar households without the subsidy spent 25.85% of their income on rent. This suggests the support is not significantly narrowing the affordability gap between subsidised and unsubsidised renters.

    This study also picked up potential signs of landlords inflating the rents for tenants receiving subsidies. This is known as “subsidy capturing”. On average, middle-income tenants receiving the accommodation supplement paid NZ$539.40 per week in rent in 2023. Non-recipients paid $502.90. That’s a 7.3% difference.

    Further research is needed to determine whether this discrepancy is due to rent inflation or differences in housing quality. But the finding aligns with international studies showing that subsidies can unintentionally drive up market rents.

    If landlords are capturing part of the subsidy by increasing rents, then the benefit meant for vulnerable tenants is being diluted.

    New Zealand’s housing market ranks as one of the least affordable in the OECD.
    ChameleonsEye/Shutterstock

    Greater promise with mortgage support

    Our data suggests mortgage support seems to level the playing field more effectively than rental assistance. The mortgage-to-income ratio for subsidised households stood at 25.55% and 29.95% in 2022 and 2023, respectively (income includes the supplement). This closely matches the 26.6% and 27.5% recorded for non-subsidised households in the same income group.

    One reason for the difference in the effectiveness of the supplement is that homeowners are typically required to contribute more upfront – a deposit – giving them a greater financial stake in their housing. This commitment may encourage better financial decisions and housing choices. It may also offer long-term benefits such as asset building and housing stability.

    Rental subsidies are essential for immediate relief, especially in emergencies or periods of transition. But our research calls into question their effectiveness in enhancing affordability. More targeted support for low-income homeowners could offer a more sustainable path forward.

    Intentions must match results

    The accommodation is undoubtedly grounded in good intentions. But considering how much of the national budget is being spent on housing-related welfare, it is essential the programmes deliver the best possible results for taxpayers.

    Measuring effectiveness is not about questioning the intent but about ensuring public resources truly achieve meaningful objectives.

    Simply increasing funding for subsidies is unlikely to solve the problem. As New Zealand confronts an ongoing housing affordability crisis, this study adds to growing evidence that policy effectiveness – not just how much is spent – is what truly matters.

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

    – ref. The billions spent on NZ’s accomodation supplement is failing to make rent affordable – so what will? – https://theconversation.com/the-billions-spent-on-nzs-accomodation-supplement-is-failing-to-make-rent-affordable-so-what-will-254779

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Fossil teeth show extinct giant kangaroos spent their lives close to home – and perished when the climate changed

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christopher Laurikainen Gaete, PhD Candidate, University of Wollongong

    Chris Laurikainen Gaete

    Large kangaroos today roam long distances across the outback, often surviving droughts by moving in mobs to find new food when pickings are slim.

    But not all kangaroos have been this way. In new research published today in PLOS One, we found giant kangaroos that once lived in eastern Australia were far less mobile, making them vulnerable to changes in local environmental conditions.

    We discovered fossilised teeth of the now extinct giant kangaroo genus Protemnodon at Mount Etna Caves, north of Rockhampton, in central eastern Queensland. Analysing the teeth gave us a glimpse into the past movements of these extinct giants, hundreds of thousands of years ago.

    Our results show Protemnodon did not forage across great distances, instead living in a lush and stable rainforest utopia. However, this utopia began to decline when the climate became drier with more pronounced seasons – spelling doom for Mount Etna’s giant roos.

    Artist’s impression of Protemnodon in a lush rainforest ‘utopia’ before extinction.
    Queensland Museum & Capricorn Caves – Atuchin / Lawrence / Hocknull

    Mount Etna Caves

    The Mount Etna Caves National Park and nearby Capricorn Caves hold remarkable records of life over hundreds of thousands of years.

    Fossils accumulated in the caves because they acted like giant pitfall traps and also lairs of predators such as thylacines, Tasmanian devils, marsupial lions, owls, raptors and the now-endangered ghost bats.

    Reddish-coloured fossil deposits can be seen on the western side of Mount Etna mine, now part of Mt Etna National Park.
    Scott Hocknull

    Large parts of the region were once mined for lime and cement. One of us (Hocknull) worked closely with mine managers to safely remove and stockpile fossil deposits from now-destroyed caves for scientific research which still continues.

    As part of our study we dated fossils using an approach called uranium-series dating, and the sediment around them with a different technique called luminescence dating.

    Our results suggest the giant kangaroos lived around the caves from at least 500,000 years ago to about 280,000 years ago. After this they disappeared from the Mount Etna fossil record.

    At the time, Mount Etna hosted a rich rainforest habitat, comparable to modern day New Guinea. As the climate became drier between 280,000 and 205,000 years ago, rainforest-dwelling species including Protemnodon vanished from the area, replaced by those adapted to a dry, arid environment.

    You are what you eat

    Our study looked at how far Protemnodon travelled to find food. The general trend in mammals is that bigger creatures range farther. This trend holds for modern kangaroos, so we expected giant extinct kangaroos like Protemnodon would also have had large ranges.

    Teeth record a chemical signature of the food you eat. By looking at different isotopes of the element strontium in tooth enamel, we can study the foraging ranges of extinct animals.

    Chris Laurikainen Gaete in the lab with the laser system used to analyse Protemnodon fossil teeth.
    Chris Laurikainen Gaete

    Varying abundances of strontium isotopes reflect the chemical fingerprint of the plants an animal ate, as well as the geology and soils where the plant grew. By matching chemical signatures in the teeth to local signatures in the environment, we could estimate where these ancient animals travelled to obtain food.

    Eat local, die local

    Our results showed Protemnodon from Mount Etna didn’t travel far beyond the local limestone in which the caves and fossils were found. This is much a smaller range than we predicted range based on their body mass.

    We think the small foraging range of Protemnodon at Mount Etna was an adaptation to millions of years of stable food supply in the rainforest. They likely had little need to travel to find food.

    Protemnodon at Mount Etna probably only ranged over the orange area for food – a much smaller area than would be estimated from modern kangaroo data (solid red circle).
    Chris Laurikainen Gaete / State of Queensland (Department of Resources)

    Fossil evidence also suggests some species of Protemnodon walked on all fours rather than hopped. This would have constrained their ability to travel great distances, but is a great strategy for living in rainforests.

    One question remains to be answered: if they didn’t need to move far to find food, why did they grow so big in the first place?

    A local adaptation or a species trait?

    The extinction of Australia’s megafauna – long-vanished beasts such the “marsupial lion” Thylacoleo and the three-tonne Diprotodon – has long been debated. It has often been assumed that megafauna species responded in the same way to environmental changes wherever they lived.

    However, we may have underestimated the role of local adaptations. This particularly holds true for Protemnodon, with a recent study suggesting significant variation in diet and movement across different environments.

    Similar small foraging ranges have been suggested for Protemnodon that lived near Bingara and Wellington Caves, New South Wales. Perhaps it was common for Protemnodon populations in stable habitats across eastern Australia to be homebodies – and this may have proved their Achilles’ heel when environmental conditions changed.

    Extinction, one by one

    As a rule, creatures with a small home range have a limited ability to move elsewhere. So if the something happens to their local habitat, they may be in big trouble.

    At Mount Etna, Protemnodon thrived for hundreds of thousands of years in the stable rainforest environment. But as the environment became more arid, and resources increasingly patchy, they may have been unable to traverse the growing gaps between patches of forest or retreat elsewhere.

    One key result of our study is that Protodemnon was locally extinct at Mt Etna long before humans turned up, which rules out human influence.

    The techniques used in this study will help us to learn about how Australia’s megafauna responded to changing environments in more detail. This approach moves the Australian megafauna extinction debate away from the traditional continental catch-all hypotheses – instead we can look at local populations in specific sites, and understand the unique factors driving local extinction events.

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

    – ref. Fossil teeth show extinct giant kangaroos spent their lives close to home – and perished when the climate changed – https://theconversation.com/fossil-teeth-show-extinct-giant-kangaroos-spent-their-lives-close-to-home-and-perished-when-the-climate-changed-250057

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Meeting in Geneva Concludes with Key Recommendations on AI Governance and Launches HUMAN-AI-T: A Global Initiative to Integrate Humanity into Artificial Intelligence

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Meeting in Geneva Concludes with Key Recommendations on AI Governance and Launches HUMAN-AI-T: A Global Initiative to Integrate Humanity into Artificial Intelligence
    UNAOC AI for #OneHumanity: Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence

    Geneva, Switzerland – April 23, 2025 –WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”) (SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY), a leading global cybersecurity, blockchain, and IoT company, today announces that United Nations Alliance of Civilizations meeting in Geneva concludes with key recommendations on AI Governance and launches HUMAN-AI-T.

    Staying true to its founding motto “Many cultures, one humanity,” the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), established in 2005 by then UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, continues to promote cultural diversity, interfaith dialogue, and mutual respect. Today, these foundational principles are essential to shaping the future of artificial intelligence.

    At a high-level meeting held at the United Nations Office in Geneva, UNAOC and its public and private sector partners launched HUMAN-AI-T, a transformative global initiative designed to align the evolution of artificial intelligence with universal ethical values, cultural heritage, and human dignity.

    Building on the momentum of its two previous editions, the third “AI for #OneHumanity” summit gathered a diverse group of global actors—governments, international organizations, business leaders, innovators, academics, media, and civil society—to explore pathways toward inclusive and responsible AI development in the service of the common good.

    Organized by UNAOC in collaboration with the Onuart Foundation, the two-day forum featured thematic sessions on the role of AI in intercultural dialogue, sustainable development, and collective human progress, while addressing critical issues such as cultural bias, AI governance, and equitable access.

    Notable participants from Spain included:

    • José Manuel Albares, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain;
    • Miguel Ángel Moratinos, former Foreign Minister and current High Representative of UNAOC;
    • José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, former Prime Minister of Spain and President of the Advisory Board of the Onuart Foundation.

    Key Points:

    1. Ethical AI Governance:
      Minister Albares emphasized the urgent need for ethical AI development rooted in human rights. He announced Spain’s intention to propose a national Artificial Intelligence Governance Law, aimed at ensuring AI applications respect fundamental rights and prioritize dignity, inclusion, and human-centered innovation through multilateral frameworks.
    2. Global Cooperation and Risks:
      Albares warned of the growing dangers of misinformation and the irresponsible use of autonomous military technologies. He called for greater UN involvement to ensure no one is left behind and to maintain a fair and balanced multilateral system in AI development and regulation.
    3. Moratinos’ Concerns:
      Miguel Ángel Moratinos highlighted the risk of AI deepening global inequality or undermining shared values. He stressed that AI is no longer a future issue—it is already at the heart of our communications, economies, and daily lives, and urgently requires global oversight guided by human dignity.
    4. Zapatero’s Message:
      In a video message, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero expressed optimism about AI’s potential to address humanity’s most urgent needs: peace, democracy, and the eradication of poverty. “We are at a turning point,” he said. “Artificial intelligence must be a tool for peace and social justice. It must help us end hunger, combat inequality, and strengthen democratic values. Let’s ensure that AI, like every great human creation, serves to elevate the human spirit.”

    The opening session, titled “Towards One Humanity: Human-Centered Development Supported by AI,” featured remarks by Moratinos, Dr. José Luis Bonet Ferrer (President of the Onuart Foundation), and Rima Al-Chikh (UNOG), followed by opening addresses from Minister Albares, H.E. Burak Akçapar, Permanent Representative of Türkiye, and former President Zapatero.

    A main session on ethical and equitable AI included insights from David Carmona (VP & CTO of Microsoft), Carlos Moreira (CEO of WISeKey), Francisco Hortigüela (President of Ametic), Moulaye Bouamatou (President of Banque de Mauritanie), and Julian Isla (President of Fundación29), moderated by Fernando Zallo from the Onuart Foundation.

    Other panels focused on the inclusive future of AI, with contributions from Bilel Jamoussi (ITU), Jon Hernández, Enrique Arribas, Alberto Díez, Loida Peral, Matthew Griffin, Danilo McGarry, and Yujun Pian, moderated by Julie Ladanan of UNAOC.

    The session “Artificial Intelligence: Transforming Human Identity and Behavior in the Digital Age” featured video contributions from Dr. Rafael Yuste, Director of Columbia University’s NeuroTechnology Center and President of the NeuroRights Foundation, and Jared Genser, General Counsel of the same foundation. The session was moderated by Juan Carlos Gutiérrez of the Onuart Foundation.

    A complementary session on “AI and Media in the Information Age” addressed challenges such as disinformation and hate speech, with contributions from Catherine Bokonga-Fiankan (President of the Association of UN Correspondents in Geneva), Yfat Barak-Cheney (World Jewish Congress), Eduardo Solana (University of Geneva), Axel Hörger (former CEO of UBS Germany), Lluis Vilella (CEO of K-BOX), Sixtine Crutchfield (Art Director at WiseArt), filmmaker Devy Man, and music writer Soren Sorensen (aka Dorian Gray), moderated by Nihal Saad, Director of UNAOC.

    The HUMAN-AI-T initiative was presented as a secure and globally accessible digital platform to preserve humanity’s ethical, philosophical, and cultural legacy. Inspired by the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, it will function as an ethical digital vault, housing verified content—from religious texts and philosophical works to legal codes, international treaties, and indigenous knowledge—digitally signed and protected by post-quantum cryptographic technologies to ensure long-term trust, traceability, and integrity.

    As general artificial intelligence (AGI) and quantum computing advance, HUMAN-AI-T responds to the increasing ethical risks posed by superintelligent systems by anchoring AI development in shared human values and global moral frameworks. The initiative aligns with the UN General Assembly resolution on safe and trustworthy AI, aiming to make AI a platform for inclusion, cooperation, and ethical progress.

    “At the heart of AI must be the heart of humanity,” emphasized Miguel Ángel Moratinos. “This is not just a technological issue—it is a civilizational imperative. We must develop AI to serve people, not the other way around. That requires an inclusive model centered on dignity.”

    Dr. Bonet Ferrer added: “For AI to truly contribute to human progress, we must incorporate the spirit of One Humanity into its design and governance. Technology must unite us, honor our diversity, and strengthen our shared destiny.”

    Jared Genser also highlighted: “As neurotechnologies and AI converge, we must update human rights frameworks to protect mental sovereignty. HUMAN-AI-T is an urgent ethical safeguard anchoring these tools in principles from the outset.”

    Carlos Moreira, founder and CEO of WISeKey, concluded: “We are approaching a threshold where machines may surpass human intelligence. If we do not act now, we risk losing control over the values embedded in these systems. HUMAN-AI-T is our response: to ensure that the intelligence we build remains deeply human—now and for future generations.”

    Finally, Che Fu, founder and president of the World Public Economic Organization (WPEO) and president of the East-West Cultural Exchange Promotion Agency of Sichuan, remarked: “Artificial intelligence has a unique power to build bridges between civilizations. It is a new language of humanity—one that must be shaped with ethics and cultural understanding. We must come together, East and West, to ensure this technology connects us. I warmly invite the UN Alliance of Civilizations to hold the 4th AI for #OneHumanity Conference in China on January 20, 2026, where we can continue this global dialogue and strengthen our shared commitment to a human-centered digital future.”

    The event concluded with closing reflections from H.E. Mr. Moratinos and Dr. Bonet Ferrer, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the evolution of AI—one guided not only by algorithms and code, but by consciousness, cooperation, and compassion.

    #HUMANAIT #QuantumRisks #AGI #AIForGood #OneHumanity #TrustworthyAI #EthicalAI #China2026

    About WISeKey

    WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”, SIX: WIHN; Nasdaq: WKEY) is a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and IoT solutions platform. It operates as a Swiss-based holding company through several operational subsidiaries, each dedicated to specific aspects of its technology portfolio. The subsidiaries include (i) SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES), which focuses on semiconductors, PKI, and post-quantum technology products, (ii) WISeKey SA which specializes in RoT and PKI solutions for secure authentication and identification in IoT, Blockchain, and AI, (iii) WISeSat AG which focuses on space technology for secure satellite communication, specifically for IoT applications, (iv) WISe.ART Corp which focuses on trusted blockchain NFTs and operates the WISe.ART marketplace for secure NFT transactions, and (v) SEALCOIN AG which focuses on decentralized physical internet with DePIN technology and house the development of the SEALCOIN platform.

    Each subsidiary contributes to WISeKey’s mission of securing the internet while focusing on their respective areas of research and expertise. Their technologies seamlessly integrate into the comprehensive WISeKey platform. WISeKey secures digital identity ecosystems for individuals and objects using Blockchain, AI, and IoT technologies. With over 1.6 billion microchips deployed across various IoT sectors, WISeKey plays a vital role in securing the Internet of Everything. The company’s semiconductors generate valuable Big Data that, when analyzed with AI, enable predictive equipment failure prevention. Trusted by the OISTE/WISeKey cryptographic Root of Trust, WISeKey provides secure authentication and identification for IoT, Blockchain, and AI applications. The WISeKey Root of Trust ensures the integrity of online transactions between objects and people. For more information on WISeKey’s strategic direction and its subsidiary companies, please visit www.wisekey.com.

    Disclaimer
    This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of WISeKey International Holding Ltd to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. WISeKey International Holding Ltd is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”), the FinSa’s predecessor legislation or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of WISeKey.

    Press and Investor Contacts

    WISeKey International Holding Ltd
    Company Contact: Carlos Moreira
    Chairman & CEO
    Tel: +41 22 594 3000
    info@wisekey.com     		 WISeKey Investor Relations (US) 
    The Equity Group Inc.
    Lena Cati
    Tel: +1 212 836-9611
    lcati@equityny.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sols 4518-4519: Thumbs up from Mars

    Source: NASA

    Written by Susanne Schwenzer, Planetary Geologist at The Open University
    Earth planning date: Monday, 21st April 2025
    It is Easter Monday, a bank holiday here in the United Kingdom. I am Science Operations Working Group Chair today, a role that is mainly focused on coordinating all the different planning activities on a given day, and ensuring all the numbers are communicated to everyone. And with that I mean making sure that everyone knows how much power we have and other housekeeping details. It’s a fun role, but on the more technical side of the mission, which means I don’t get to look at the rocks in the workspace as closely as my colleagues who are planning the activities of the instruments directly investigating the rocks. It’s a lot of fun to see how planning day after planning day things come together. But why am I doing this on a bank holiday, when I could well be on my sofa? I just was reminded in the hours before planning how much fun it actually is to spend a little more time looking at all the images  – and not the usual hectic rush coming out of an almost complete work day (we start at 8 am PDT, which is 4 pm here in the UK!). So, I enjoyed the views of Mars, and I think Mars gave me a thumbs up for it, or better to say a little pointy ‘rock up’ in the middle of a sandy area, as you can see in the image above!
    I am sure you noticed that our team has a lot to celebrate! Less than a month after the publication about alkanes made headlines in many news outlets, we have another big discovery from our rover, now 4518 sols on Mars: in three drill holes, the rover instruments detected the mineral siderite, a carbonate. That allowed a group of scientists from our team to piece together the carbon cycle of Mars. If you want to know more, the full story is here. I am looking forward to our next big discovery. Who knows that that is? Well, it would not be exploration, if we knew!
    But today’s workspace looks intriguing with all its little laminae (the very fine layers) and its weathering patterns that look like a layered cake that little fingers have picked the icing off! (Maybe I had too many treats of the season this weekend? That’s for you to decide!) But then Mars did what it did so many times lately: we did not pass our slip risk assessment and therefore had to keep the arm stowed. I think there is a direct link between geologists getting exciting about all the many rocks, and a wheel ending up on one of them, making it unsafe to unstow the arm. There was a collective sigh of disappointment – and then we moved on to what we actually can do.
    And that is a lot of imaging. As exciting as getting an APXS measurement and MAHLI images would be, Mastcam images, ChemCam chemistry and RMI images are exciting, too. The plan starts with three Mastcam activities to document the small troughs that form around some of the rocks. Those amount to 15 frames already, then we have a ten-frame mosaic on a target called “West Fork,” which is looking at rocks in the middle ground of the scenery and display interesting layering. Finally, a 84 frame mosaic will image Texoli, one of the large buttes in our neighbourhood, in all its beauty. It shows a series of interesting layers and structures, including some that might be akin to what we expect the boxwork structures to look like. Now, did you keep count? Yes, that’s 109 frames from Mastcam – and add the one for the documentation of the LIBS target, too, and Mastcam takes exactly 110 frames!
    ChemCam is busy with a target called “Lake Poway,” which represents the bedrock around us. Also in the ChemCam activities is a long distance RMI upwards Mt Sharp to the Yardang unit. After the drive – more of that later – ChemCam as an automated observation, we call it AEGIS, where ChemCam uses a clever algorithm to pick its own target.
    The drive will be very special today. As you may have seen, we are imaging our wheels in regular intervals to make sure that we are keeping track of the wear and tear that over 34 km of offroad driving on Mars have caused. For that, we need a very flat area and our rover drivers did locate one due West of the current rover positions. So, that’s where we will drive first, do the full MAHLI wheel imaging and then return to the originally planned path. That’s where we’ll do a MARDI image, post drive imaging to prepare the planning for the next sols, and the above mentioned AEGIS.
    In addition to all the geologic investigations, there is continuous environmental monitoring ongoing. Curiosity will look at opacity and dust devils, and REMS will switch on regularly to measure wind speeds, humidity, temperature, ultraviolet radiation and pressure throughout the plan. Let’s not forget DAN, which monitors water and chlorine in the subsurface as we are driving along. It’s so easy to forget the ones that sit quietly in the back – but in this case, they have important data to contribute!

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CISA, DHS S&T, INL, LSU Help Energy Industry Partners Strengthen Incident Response and OT Cybersecurity

    News In Brief – Source: US Computer Emergency Readiness Team

    WASHINGTON – The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) and the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) hosted Louisiana State University (LSU) and several energy industry and critical infrastructure partners to train against simulated, high-impact cyberattacks on operational technology (OT) and traditional information technology (IT) at CISA’s Control Environment Laboratory Resource (CELR) in Idaho Falls, Idaho, last week. LSU is the first university in the U.S. invited to participate in the CELR exercise, as part of CISA and INL’s efforts to strengthen cyber talent development and research partnerships.

    Cybersecurity threats exploit the increased complexity and connectivity of critical infrastructure systems. The potential incapacitation or destruction of assets, systems and networks, whether physical or virtual, could have a debilitating effect on national security, economic security and on public health and safety. As the nation’s cyber defense agency, CISA is committed to growing operational and strategic partnerships to increase collaboration across the OT and industrial control systems (ICS) community.

    On April 15-17, energy industry partners and the CISA-INL-LSU team used the CELR chemical processing platform, located at and operated by INL on behalf of CISA. CELR platforms are benchtop models of critical infrastructure with integrated industrial processes to represent how real-world components and facilities might be compromised through cyber-physical attacks. The participants were positioned in a live environment with IT and OT traffic and attacked by a technical team posing as a sophisticated adversary. The training participants’ mission was to detect and respond to kinetic cyberattacks through ICS elements, including supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, human-machine interfaces (HMIs), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), OT and IT systems and other key components widely used in industrial facilities.

    “Collaborating with LSU and industry partners is extremely beneficial in strengthening the nation’s cybersecurity knowledge and ability to respond to threats. This training is another step in our shared vision to expand the opportunity for critical infrastructure entities to strengthen their cybersecurity using CELR,” said Matt Hartman, CISA Deputy Executive Assistant Director for Cybersecurity. “Malicious cyber actors and nation-state adversaries are a persistent, highly capable threat to critical infrastructure operations, functionality and safety. CELR is a valuable resource for critical infrastructure owners and operators seeking to improve the security of their ICS/OT networks.”

    “INL’s Controls Laboratory hosts five CISA-sponsored ICS testbeds, offering immersive environments for partners to experience realistic cyberattack scenarios against critical infrastructure,” said Tim Huddleston, INL’s Cybersecurity Program Manager. “We were proud to host industry partners and academia in this exercise, helping them improve their skills in cyber hunting and incident response, which reduces the risk from malicious cyber actors.”

    INL leverages scientific expertise and unique controls environments to support the departments of Energy, Defense and Homeland Security in national security challenges, including critical infrastructure protection. Last week’s training is part of an ongoing collaborative effort by CISA, DHS S&T, INL and LSU to equip energy industry cyber defenders to protect ICS environments and develop deeply technical cyber talent for critical infrastructure. Under CISA and S&T oversight, INL is currently developing the first university-based CELR platform. DHS S&T and CISA plan to deliver an Oil and Natural Gas CELR platform to LSU by fall of this year.

    Through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement, LSU will operate and maintain the Oil and Natural Gas platform and host similar trainings for energy sector partners, state cyber defenders, and LSU faculty, staff and students. This agreement will provide government and industry security professionals in the Louisiana gulf region an extremely valuable, local opportunity to hone their OT/ICS cybersecurity skills.

    “This partnership is a wonderful example of DHS S&T’s role in enabling effective, efficient, and secure operations by applying scientific, engineering, analytic, and innovative approaches to deliver timely solutions. The CELR platforms help ensure critical infrastructure is better positioned to detect, mitigate, or prevent cyber-attacks in the real world. By positioning a platform in close proximity to critical infrastructure owners and operators, as well as making it accessible to the next generation of oil refinery workforce through the university, DHS S&T and CISA are ensuring our nation’s oil supply remains secure and available to consumers,” said Jonathan McEntee,Acting Executive Director for S&T Office of Mission and Capability Support.

    “As a leading energy and chemical manufacturing state, Louisiana’s cybersecurity posture around its critical infrastructure has national implications,” said Greg Trahan, director of economic development at LSU and special advisor to LSU President William F. Tate IV on cyber initiatives. “The invitation by CISA and INL to participate in this exercise underscores what we know: LSU has emerged as one of the most important and consequential cybersecurity schools in the country. The opportunity to be joined by our close industry partners means we can bring these skills and agency relationships home to support and protect Louisiana—that is the LSU Scholarship First Agenda and flagship mission in action.”

    Another outcome from this collaborative effort, LSU and Battelle Energy Alliance, the company that manages INL, recently signed a memorandum of understanding to formalize their partnership in areas of mutual interest, including cybersecurity and advanced nuclear technology. Over the past year, INL has hosted six LSU cybersecurity interns and successfully hired two LSU graduates. This collaboration exemplifies INL’s commitment to expanding partnerships with other industry and academic entities, fostering an environment to develop cyber resilience skills.

    For more information on ICS security, visit the CISA Industrial Control Systems webpage.

    Control Environment Laboratory Exercise (CELR) Exersice

    Government, industry and academia partners gather to view Control Environment Laboratory Resource (CELR) exercise

    MIL OSI USA News –