Latest news with #Australiangovernment
Politico
5 days ago
- Science
- Politico
Researchers quietly planned a major test to dim sunlight, records show
'The Moore Foundation is not involved in the Marine Cloud Brightening Program,' said Holly Potter, a spokesperson for the charity, adding that 'solar geoengineering research in not a focus of the foundation's work.' The program pitched Quadrature and other donors on the idea that its need for private philanthropy was only temporary. Public support would eventually arrive for solar geoengineering research, the team argued. In a 2021 update for supporters, the team said it had received $1 million over two years from NOAA and the Department of Energy for modeling studies and had begun work on the modified snow-making machine that the researchers would later test in Alameda. That technology is also being used in a field trial along the Great Barrier Reef that's funded in part by the Australian government. At the same time, the donor report acknowledged the potential for 'public perception challenges' like those that would later short-circuit the Alameda field test. 'The MCB Program is well-positioned both in terms of its government ties, scientific analogues and careful positioning to move forward successfully, but this remains a risk.' The plan for Alameda included elements to engage the public. The deck of the USS Hornet, which is now a naval museum, remained open to visitors. But the team relied on museum staff to manage relations with Alameda leaders and carefully controlled the information it provided to the public, according to the documents provided by the University of Washington that included communications among the program leaders. 'We think it's safest to get air quality review help and are pursuing that in advance of engaging, but I'd avoid scaring them overly,' said an Aug. 23, 2023, text message before a meeting with Hornet officials. 'We want them to work largely on the assumption that things are a go.' No names were attached to the messages. Then in November 2023, a climate solutions reporter from National Public Radio was planning to visit the headquarters of SRI for a story about the importance of aerosols research. A communications strategist who worked for SilverLining at the time emailed the team a clear directive: 'There will be no mention of the study taking place in Alameda,' wrote Jesus Chavez, the founder of the public relations firm Singularity Media, in bold, underlined text. (Chavez didn't respond to a request for comment.) A November 2023 email from a SilverLining communications strategist to the team, directing them to not mention the Alameda study to an NPR reporter who was covering the Marine Cloud Brightening Program. | University of Washington At the same time, the program was closely coordinating with government scientists, documents show. The head of NOAA's chemical sciences division was one of three 'VIPs' who were scheduled to visit the headquarters of SRI for a demonstration of a cloud-making machine, according to a December 2023 email from Wanser of SilverLining. Other guests included a dean from the University of Washington and an official from the private investment office of billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates, a long-time supporter of geoengineering research. (Gates Ventures didn't respond to a request for comment.)
Korea Herald
02-06-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Hanwha Defense Australia appoints ex-BAE exec as new head
Hanwha Defense Australia, a subsidiary of Korean defense leader Hanwha Aerospace, has appointed Australian Army veteran Ben Hudson as its new managing director, further strengthening Hanwha's leadership with globally seasoned defense professionals. The former CEO of BAE Systems Australia — the nation's largest military contractor — officially took office as managing director Monday. He succeeds general manager Dean Michie, who served as acting managing director for 12 months, the company announced. 'I am pleased to be joining the team at HDA during such an important point of the company's growth,' said the new managing director. Hanwha Aerospace highlighted Hudson's extensive experience across Australia and Europe's defense sectors, including senior roles at BAE Systems, Rheinmetall and General Dynamics, as well as his service as an officer in the Australian Army. The company said this expertise will ensure continuity and strong leadership in ongoing projects with the Australian government. The company is currently delivering 30 AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzers and 15 AS10 ammunition resupply vehicles under a $716.5 million contract. It also secured a $2.4 billion deal to supply 129 Redback infantry fighting vehicles and support systems in 2023. "With this leadership transition, we are strengthening our commitment to supporting the growth of Australia's defense industrial base and further enhancing the nation's sovereign capabilities,' said Michael Coulter, CEO of Hanwha Aerospace Global Defense. In its effort to drive growth through global defense projects, Hanwha Aerospace is actively including international experts in the leadership of its major businesses. While Coulter, a US Navy veteran and former executive at Leonardo DRS, took the role in March, Hanwha Aerospace's shipbuilding unit, Hanwha Ocean, added offshore engineering expert Philippe Levy as president of its offshore business last year.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Australia's Bedshed faces fine for misleading NDIS endorsement claims
Australian retailer Bedshed Franchising has been fined A$39,600 ($25,425) for allegedly engaging in deceptive advertising practices. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued two infringement notices to the company, contending that Bedshed misrepresented to consumers that its products had undergone assessment under or received endorsement from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). In November 2024, the ACCC alerted businesses to its heightened scrutiny over advertising practices aimed at NDIS participants. The ACCC's allegations against Bedshed involve statements on its website and Google Ads that labelled some of its mattresses, furniture, and bedding accessories as "NDIS approved" and "NDIS permitted". ACCC chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb stated: 'The NDIS does not approve any specific goods or services and to suggest otherwise is misleading and risks taking advantage of vulnerable consumers. 'Each NDIS participant has unique needs, and what's funded under their plan is determined individually, not through a list of approved products. Targeting consumers experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage with misleading advertising is particularly concerning, and we are continuing to investigate companies making similar claims. 'These infringement notices should serve as a warning to all businesses that advertise their products or services to NDIS participants – your advertising must reflect the facts.' Bedshed operates as a franchise, offering products including mattresses, bedding and furniture through an online platform and 43 physical stores in Western Australia, Victoria, Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales. 11 of these stores are registered as NDIS providers. The Australian government formed the NDIS Taskforce in December 2023. This task force is a collaborative effort involving the ACCC, the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, and the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). In December 2024, the ACCC initiated legal action against Ausnew Home Care Service for alleged false and misleading representations about aged care and disability products being "NDIS approved" In March 2025, ACCC concluded its investigation into the supermarket industry, issuing 20 recommendations to enhance market competition. "Australia's Bedshed faces fine for misleading NDIS endorsement claims" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Epoch Times
24-04-2025
- Business
- Epoch Times
Perth Bears Prepare to Join the NRL After Years in the Wilderness
Perth's prospective new National Rugby League (NRL) team will need to get their claws stuck into training soon, with news they are expected to return to the league in 2027. The team will revive the North Sydney Bears, one of the NRL's foundation clubs formed in 1903, through a new partnership with Western Australia. The Bears lost their NRL licence in 1999 but have long campaigned for a return to the top level of the sport. The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC), the peak governing body for the sport, has reportedly given the green light to a $50 million offer from the West Australian (WA) government to bring the rebranded Perth Bears on board. Premier Roger Cook's government had earlier offered $35 million but increased the amount to get the proposal over the line. Bears stalwart and board member Billy Moore has backed the push for a return to the NRL, saying that news of the comeback was the best thing for the club since winning their second premiership in 1922. Formed in 1908, the North Sydney Bears were one of the earliest clubs in the Sydney-based Rugby League competition that eventually became the NRL. Related Stories 1/27/2025 10/1/2024 For the most recent NRL bid, the Bears partnered with a WA consortium to form the new Perth-based incarnation. 'There is nothing else that comes close to this moment,' Moore said. 'This is a day for the true believers, just outstanding.' The agreement for the Perth Bears to get on board still needs to be signed off by the 17 existing NRL teams and the Rugby League Players' Association. A Papua New Guinea side is also set to enter the NRL a year later, as part of a $600 million plan funded by the Australian government. There is also room for one more, with the league hoping to amass a set of 20 teams. During the 2024 season, the NRL reported a record revenue of $744.9 million, up $43.7 million from the previous year. A Perth-based team is expected to provide a significant economic boost to the state.
