Latest news with #Speers
Scoop
11-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Council Accepts Report Into Community Facilities Overspend And Commits To Enhanced Controls
Ruapehu District Council's Risk and Assurance Committee has accepted the recommendations of a comprehensive report into the $700,000 overspend in the Community and Recreational Facilities activity area. The report, prepared by Executive Manager Finance and Strategy Quentin Speers, examined all aspects of how the overspend occurred and outlined the corrective actions required to prevent a recurrence. A five-member team undertook an in-depth review, looking into operational decision-making, supplier management, contract cost escalation, and compliance to procurement policy. Mr Speers said that in response to the overspend, Council has moved swiftly to enhance project and contract management processes. 'The proposed improvements underway include better budget oversight, tighter contract and conflict of interest management, stronger project governance, increased staff training, and the improved use of technology,' he said. The investigation found that several weaknesses in project management and internal controls were further exacerbated by the limitations of Council's existing financial system. This system is due to be replaced within the next 12 months. The new Datascape Financial System will provide greater visibility and control by enabling Council to assign and monitor expenditure more accurately against specific projects within each activity area - something not possible under the current system. Chief Executive Clive Manley acknowledged the review team for their efforts in untangling what he described as 'a complex web of interrelated systems, decisions and events' to uncover the root causes of the overspend and develop a plan to move forward. With the Risk and Assurance Committee accepting the report's findings and recommendations, the next phase of the investigation will examine the role of staff and suppliers, the rationale behind key decisions, and any further actions that may be necessary. As key staff have been on extended leave, this aspect of the investigation has not been possible until now. To ensure transparency and community confidence, this phase will be overseen by an independent specialist, appointed in agreement with the mayor and the independent Chair of the Risk and Assurance Committee. Mr Manley noted that this next stage may take some time, and he will not be making further comment until the process is complete. 'It's important that the investigation is allowed to follow due process, and I urge people not to jump to conclusions. This needs to be a fair and impartial process for everyone involved,' he said. 'This has been a very challenging time for Council, both for elected members and staff. I would like to thank them for their professionalism throughout. While this overspend occurred in one activity area, the learnings will be applied across all of Council's operations. 'The community should have confidence that the strengthened controls and reporting mechanisms will provide the necessary disciplines to significantly reduce the risk of any future unauthorised overspend occurring.'
Sunday World
02-07-2025
- Sunday World
Airport worker who stole Aer Lingus cooler bags was taking plane meals home for his dogs
David Speers (40) was allowed by Aer Lingus to dispose of the uneaten plane meals but had no permission to take the special bags An airport worker caught stealing 'expensive' plane cooler bags was using them to take leftover meals home to feed his dogs. David Speers (40) was allowed by Aer Lingus to dispose of the uneaten plane meals but had no permission to take the special bags they came in and forgot to return them. He ended up losing his job of 20 years and being prosecuted for theft, a court heard. The case was adjourned by Judge Áine Clancy for the production of a restorative justice report. Speers, with an address at Yellow Walls Road, Malahide, Co Dublin, pleaded guilty to stealing two catering bags worth €119. Dublin District Court heard Aer Lingus staff viewed CCTV footage on September 11 last year and saw the accused take two bags, which he placed in his own car. Speers had previous convictions but none for theft. The court heard he was at work on the day, dropping off and collecting meals for aeroplanes. They were placed in special cooler bags with dry ice that kept them cold. At the end of a flight, he would remove any waste food to be disposed of. The court heard Speers would take the food home to feed his dogs and ensure it 'wasn't fully wasted', his lawyer said. He was 'surprised' to find himself before the court over it On this occasion, the accused had forgotten to bring back the cooler bags; it was never his intention to take them permanently and he returned them as soon as the issue was raised. He was 'surprised' to find himself before the court over it but apologised and understood he should not have removed the property. He accepted they were 'expensive bags' but they were for a specific purpose, he had no use for them and they could not have been resold for any profit. Speers had lost his job as a result and was now unemployed for the first time and looking for work. His lawyer asked the judge to leave the accused without a conviction, which could have ramifications for his attempts to find a job. The judge adjourned the case to a date in September for Speers to take part in a restorative justice programme. David Speers. Photo: Paddy Cummins Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 2nd
The Age
22-05-2025
- Health
- The Age
‘Some of the risks cannot be protected': doctor warns Magnussen of dangers
'Some of the risks cannot be protected against by having a medical professional there,' Speers said. 'In a medical sense, people might use testosterone medication if their natural levels are not at the required levels,' Speers said. 'In terms of doping, people use testosterone to increase their strength, so muscle and bone growth. 'Potential risks include infertility because using artificial testosterone can actually shut down your body's natural production of testosterone. There's also female characteristics that might occur, such as the growth of breasts and changing hair patterns, acne and skin reactions like you might see in puberty.' What effects do testosterone and other peptides have on someone? Magnussen said he took testosterone, to increase muscle mass, strength, bone density and red-blood-cell production. 'It can also cause mood changes, increased irritability or aggression,' Speers said. 'There's also risks around heart problems, heart attacks and strokes.' Meanwhile, BPC-157, a type of peptide, promotes tissue repair and gut health. It can also reduce inflammation. 'BPC-157 an example of doping agents that have not been through clinical trials,' Speers said. 'They've not been tested in the same way pharmaceutical medications have to check if it's safe or to see if it has the desired effect. It is not known the health effects of that drug.' CJC-1295 stimulates growth hormone and can help with fat loss. 'In a similar vain, it's definitely not included in any medications in Australia,' Speers said. 'It's a black-market product and someone who is using those products actually doesn't know what contaminants or other substances might be in the product they are buying. It has been through some initial clinical trials [in Australia] but was stopped due to negative effects on the trial subjects. A doctor can prescribe CJC-1295.' 'Ipamorelin is not used in medication in Australia, so we don't have a solid base on the health effects of those substances. If people are accessing it they are probably accessing a non-pharmaceutical product. The same risks apply around. There's a few different forms of thymosin, but they all fit in that class of peptides.' Magnussen and his medical team are adamant that safe amounts have been administered. In his interview last week, Magnussen said he did not get sore once after training twice a day for the first seven weeks while on performance-enhancing drugs. Ultimately, it was to his detriment. He gained too much weight and was fatigued by the time his world record attempt came in February. 'Nothing I am doing is illegal. I have prescriptions for everything I take,' Magnussen said. 'The biggest initial concerns for me, my family, my partner were the long-term effects on my health and my heart and some of my vital organs. 'As a former professional athlete, you always think you're healthy but this is another level. I feel 18 again. 'I was waking up with an enthusiasm to train and compete. I felt so healthy and motivated. Honestly, it's the happiest I've been in seven years.' When did his doping regimen start? Magnussen arrived in the US in October last year after undergoing comprehensive medical testing. He was on his doping regimen – what is referred to as his 'protocol' – for about 20 weeks. According to his swimming coach, Brett Hawke, Magnussen's drugs were sourced independently, not through the Enhanced Games team. 'He formed a relationship with an Australian company and they basically sponsored him and supplied him with all his enhancements,' Hawke said. 'It was all prescriptions.' Who was working with Magnussen? While it's unclear which company was helping Magnussen, he had a large medical team around him, which did regular blood tests and body scans to monitor his progress. Magnussen had doctors, endocrinologists and heart specialists at his disposal, as well as a dietician and a strength-and-conditioning coach. The Enhanced Games requires all athletes to disclose what substances they are taking. If the drugs are illegal and the Enhanced Games' medical team feels the substance is unsafe to take, the athlete will be banned from competing at the Games. '[Magnussen's] protocol was not administered by Enhanced,' read a statement. 'Medical screenings [were performed] to ensure that James was healthy and safe to compete.' What do the Enhanced Games say? Dr Dan Turner, the Enhanced Games' director of athlete safety and performance, is confident the drugs are being carefully given to athletes. 'Athlete safety is our top priority at the Enhanced Games,' he said. 'It's not the use of these substances that's inherently dangerous. It's the misuse of these substances.' The Enhanced Games have also set up an 'Independent Medical and Scientific Commission', who will be conducting research on the athletes. 'It's really novel … but they're by no means guinea pigs,' said Professor Guido Pieles, who sits on the commission. 'The medical profiling will be second to none. They will have monthly blood tests and initial tests for eligibility which will look at the heart and brain, their hormonal balances. 'We will follow up these athletes for five years with blood tests. Athletes will choose their primary care physician who will prescribe the enhancements. 'We are adamant that only enhancements are used that are legal.' Speers, however, said the long-term effects will be unknown. 'Definitely the major concern for the peptide substances is their safety has not been well studied and definitely not in the long-term,' she said. 'The other major risk is the type of product. Often these products will be made in someone's kitchen or backyard or garage. The quality of those products is in no way assured like a pharmaceutical product that you buy at the chemist.' What is the vision of the Enhanced Games? Enhanced Games co-founder Aron D'Souza, an Australian lawyer and entrepreneur, has made no secret of wanting the event in Vegas next year as big as possible. Loading While questions swirl over the legitimacy of the controversial event, D'Souza says this is only the beginning. 'We're ushering in the start of what I believe will be viewed as the next age of mankind,' he said. '[It is] an age of superhumanity and enhancement where three of humanity's most important endeavours - science, medicine and sport - have now merged together. This is going to be a very critical juncture in human history.'
Sydney Morning Herald
22-05-2025
- Health
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘Some of the risks cannot be protected': doctor warns Magnussen of dangers
'Some of the risks cannot be protected against by having a medical professional there,' Speers said. 'In a medical sense, people might use testosterone medication if their natural levels are not at the required levels,' Speers said. 'In terms of doping, people use testosterone to increase their strength, so muscle and bone growth. 'Potential risks include infertility because using artificial testosterone can actually shut down your body's natural production of testosterone. There's also female characteristics that might occur, such as the growth of breasts and changing hair patterns, acne and skin reactions like you might see in puberty.' What effects do testosterone and other peptides have on someone? Magnussen said he took testosterone, to increase muscle mass, strength, bone density and red-blood-cell production. 'It can also cause mood changes, increased irritability or aggression,' Speers said. 'There's also risks around heart problems, heart attacks and strokes.' Meanwhile, BPC-157, a type of peptide, promotes tissue repair and gut health. It can also reduce inflammation. 'BPC-157 an example of doping agents that have not been through clinical trials,' Speers said. 'They've not been tested in the same way pharmaceutical medications have to check if it's safe or to see if it has the desired effect. It is not known the health effects of that drug.' CJC-1295 stimulates growth hormone and can help with fat loss. 'In a similar vain, it's definitely not included in any medications in Australia,' Speers said. 'It's a black-market product and someone who is using those products actually doesn't know what contaminants or other substances might be in the product they are buying. It has been through some initial clinical trials [in Australia] but was stopped due to negative effects on the trial subjects. A doctor can prescribe CJC-1295.' 'Ipamorelin is not used in medication in Australia, so we don't have a solid base on the health effects of those substances. If people are accessing it they are probably accessing a non-pharmaceutical product. The same risks apply around. There's a few different forms of thymosin, but they all fit in that class of peptides.' Magnussen and his medical team are adamant that safe amounts have been administered. In his interview last week, Magnussen said he did not get sore once after training twice a day for the first seven weeks while on performance-enhancing drugs. Ultimately, it was to his detriment. He gained too much weight and was fatigued by the time his world record attempt came in February. 'Nothing I am doing is illegal. I have prescriptions for everything I take,' Magnussen said. 'The biggest initial concerns for me, my family, my partner were the long-term effects on my health and my heart and some of my vital organs. 'As a former professional athlete, you always think you're healthy but this is another level. I feel 18 again. 'I was waking up with an enthusiasm to train and compete. I felt so healthy and motivated. Honestly, it's the happiest I've been in seven years.' When did his doping regimen start? Magnussen arrived in the US in October last year after undergoing comprehensive medical testing. He was on his doping regimen – what is referred to as his 'protocol' – for about 20 weeks. According to his swimming coach, Brett Hawke, Magnussen's drugs were sourced independently, not through the Enhanced Games team. 'He formed a relationship with an Australian company and they basically sponsored him and supplied him with all his enhancements,' Hawke said. 'It was all prescriptions.' Who was working with Magnussen? While it's unclear which company was helping Magnussen, he had a large medical team around him, which did regular blood tests and body scans to monitor his progress. Magnussen had doctors, endocrinologists and heart specialists at his disposal, as well as a dietician and a strength-and-conditioning coach. The Enhanced Games requires all athletes to disclose what substances they are taking. If the drugs are illegal and the Enhanced Games' medical team feels the substance is unsafe to take, the athlete will be banned from competing at the Games. '[Magnussen's] protocol was not administered by Enhanced,' read a statement. 'Medical screenings [were performed] to ensure that James was healthy and safe to compete.' What do the Enhanced Games say? Dr Dan Turner, the Enhanced Games' director of athlete safety and performance, is confident the drugs are being carefully given to athletes. 'Athlete safety is our top priority at the Enhanced Games,' he said. 'It's not the use of these substances that's inherently dangerous. It's the misuse of these substances.' The Enhanced Games have also set up an 'Independent Medical and Scientific Commission', who will be conducting research on the athletes. 'It's really novel … but they're by no means guinea pigs,' said Professor Guido Pieles, who sits on the commission. 'The medical profiling will be second to none. They will have monthly blood tests and initial tests for eligibility which will look at the heart and brain, their hormonal balances. 'We will follow up these athletes for five years with blood tests. Athletes will choose their primary care physician who will prescribe the enhancements. 'We are adamant that only enhancements are used that are legal.' Speers, however, said the long-term effects will be unknown. 'Definitely the major concern for the peptide substances is their safety has not been well studied and definitely not in the long-term,' she said. 'The other major risk is the type of product. Often these products will be made in someone's kitchen or backyard or garage. The quality of those products is in no way assured like a pharmaceutical product that you buy at the chemist.' What is the vision of the Enhanced Games? Enhanced Games co-founder Aron D'Souza, an Australian lawyer and entrepreneur, has made no secret of wanting the event in Vegas next year as big as possible. Loading While questions swirl over the legitimacy of the controversial event, D'Souza says this is only the beginning. 'We're ushering in the start of what I believe will be viewed as the next age of mankind,' he said. '[It is] an age of superhumanity and enhancement where three of humanity's most important endeavours - science, medicine and sport - have now merged together. This is going to be a very critical juncture in human history.'
