Podcasts about dfat

Anna Samson has had a decade-long career in aid, was a US State Department-funded Fulbright Scholar, and has a PhD in international relations and American foreign policy.In this episode we discuss the inadvertent economic and political outcomes of foreign aid on receiving nations. What surprised me was Anna's view on the scale of the rent-seeking across the aid industry and the transformation of the aid project into one of strategic military and economic interests rather than one of humanitarianism.Apologies for the audio quality.Please read Anna's full article below about foreign aid, its failures, and its creeping national security objectives.As always, please like, share, comment, and subscribe. Thanks for your support. Find Fresh Economic Thinking on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Theme music: Happy Swing by Serge Quadrado Music under Creative Commons Licence CC BY-NC 4.0The United States has had its fair share of Presidential foreign policy doctrines over the years.The Truman Doctrine underpinned America's Cold War containment policy to stop the spread of communism and Soviet influence.After the 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre, the Bush Doctrine brought us preventative military strikes and the ‘if you're not with us, you're against us' principle.Just over 50 days into his second term, the Trump Doctrine is shaping up to be ‘you can't make an omelette without blowing up the entire chicken coop'.Nowhere has this approach been more sharply felt than in the dismantling of USAID, a cornerstone of contemporary US foreign policy.Jettisoning USAID has achieved symbolic and practical purposes; it is both exactly what MAGA fans hoped for and what its critics feared: Trump embracing radical honesty in international relations by saying the quiet bits out loud and rupturing the mythology of the self-limiting guardrails on Executive power.Moments after his inauguration, President Trump, bolstered by Elon Musk's analysis of USAID as “not an apple with a worm in it [but] a ball of worms”, froze $60 billion in overseas development aid and then stood down 97% of its staff.Industry veterans highlighted the catastrophe the Executive Orders caused: polio vaccination programs halted, tonnes of food aid left rotting in warehouses in the midst of famines, and a stop on urgent humanitarian assistance delivered to hard-to-reach conflict zones.That's the problem with applying a Silicon Valley move-fast-and-break-things mindset to government policy: you can't just CTRL-Z your way out of any unintended consequences.The recent Supreme Court decision ordering the Trump Administration to immediately unfreeze US$2 billion in existing aid contracts only provides temporary reprieve for those relying on American development assistance. The ruling doesn't apply to billions in planned program funding or USAID jobs that have already been axed, both of which are the subject of separate legal challenges.To the President's detractors, gutting USAID is ideological and myopic. But it's also another example of Trump seeing which way the crowd is moving and running out in front.Indeed, rather than leaping to fill the void left by the US vacating the field, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a 40 per cent cut to his country's aid budget. France and the Netherlands are also cutting their aid expenditure by about a third.While Western aid workers are wringing their hands and UN buildings are lowering their thermostats as a cost-saving measure, the sector bears a great deal of responsibility for its own demise.With little evidence to show aid programs are delivering on their grand promises of economic prosperity and development, spending billions on aid is increasingly justified as a tool to advance donor countries' national security interests.This connection is not new: the modern aid system was built by imperial powers to help maintain influence even as their former colonial territories were achieving political independence.It should come as no surprise that many aid recipients are not exactly mourning USAID's downfall. They point to numerous instances where USAID used humanitarianism as a front for meddling in other nations' domestic politics.For all the talk of ‘empowerment' and ‘local partnerships', government-funded foreign aid is rooted in and continues to reproduce historical structures of resource extraction, dependence, market distortion and racism.Explicitly blurring the lines between humanitarianism and self-interest lays bare the iron fist of neocolonialism within the velvet glove of benevolence.From the perspective of donor countries, all this real-talk about interests over altruism requires the aid industry to demonstrate bang for taxpayer buck.It's no accident that among the first casualties in DOGE's USAID cuts were expat bureaucrats enjoying all the cushy accoutrements that a career in the aid industry guaranteed.Government donor agencies - including Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) — frequently administer aid money inefficiently and ineffectively; 40 per cent of Australian aid investments were rated as 'unsatisfactory' upon completion.If the aim of aid is to bolster our own security, not only should this causal link be established more directly, DFAT should explain why Australia funds aid over other defence spending with a clearer line of sight to maintaining the nation's middle power status.Current approaches to aid program evaluations, including in DFAT's most recent Performance of Australian Development Cooperation Report 2023-24, do not provide that level of accountability. Taxpayers are expected to accept measures like “capacity building” and numbers of individuals “supported” or “reached” in pursuit of development goals.USAID's abolition, while confronting in its audacity, should not be met simply with self-righteous indignation about the supposed nobility of aid work or showing how aid can be weaponised to undercut the West's rivals.Instead, it should be seen as an opportunity to rethink the whole foreign aid system. It's a chance to create a world where countries drive their own development and self-interested ‘generosity' and donor dependence are no longer required.Decoupling foreign aid from national security will allow this money to do what it does best: humanitarian action based on foundational principles of humanity, impartiality, independence and neutrality. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.fresheconomicthinking.com/subscribe

While the calling of a federal election has been delayed by Tropical Cyclone Alfred, it must still happen in May, and so this episode the podcast offers its third “incoming government brief”: a document presented to the new (or returning) minister for each department, for the purpose of providing a descriptive overview of what the department does, and highlighting the most important issues facing that particular portfolio. The Australia in the World Incoming Government Brief has four chapters:(1) A changed external environment, (2) Plausible futures and policy dilemmas, (3) Key commitments by political party, and (4) Miscellaneous. Above all, the central challenge for this document at this moment is simply how to describe the world Australia now finds itself in, and to frame the challenges the government will face, regardless of its partisan perspective. No wonder this is probably the longest episode in the podcast's history! Darren is joined by Richard Maude, who has appeared multiple times before, most recently in February 2024. Richard had a long career in government including serving as Director-General of the (then) Office of National Assessments, and Deputy Secretary in DFAT where, amongst other roles, he headed the whole-of-government taskforce supporting the preparation of the 2017 Foreign Policy White Paper. He was the inaugural Executive Director, Policy, the Asia Society Australia and is now a distinguished policy fellow at there. Australia in the World is written, hosted, and produced by Darren Lim, with research and editing this episode by Hannah Nelson and theme music composed by Rory Stenning. Relevant links Richard Maude (bio): https://asiasociety.org/policy-institute/richard-maude Incoming government brief for Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, May 2022: https://www.dfat.gov.au/sites/default/files/dfat-foi-lex5624.pdf Penny Wong, “National Press Club Address, Australian interests in a regional balance of power”, 17 April 2023: https://www.foreignminister.gov.au/minister/penny-wong/speech/national-press-club-address-australian-interests-regional-balance-power Richard Maude, “Australia's Indo-Pacific destiny up for grabs in a new world order”, Australian Financial Review, 11 March 2025: https://www.afr.com/world/asia/australia-s-indo-pacific-destiny-up-for-grabs-in-a-new-world-order-20250304-p5lgru Anna Del Conte, Gastronomy of Italy [Revised Edition], 2013: https://www.harpercollins.com.au/9781862059580/gastronomy-of-italy-revised-edition/ Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy (tv series): https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/tv-series/stanley-tucci-searching-for-italy Black Doves (tv series): https://www.netflix.com/au/title/81682935

“The loneliness of Australia is going to be one of many fairly dramatic changes”, says David Rennie towards the end of this utterly absorbing episode. On Wednesday 12 February I interviewed David Rennie in DFAT's studio in Canberra. David was visiting Australia for the week, hosted by Asia Society Australia and supported by the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations. David is geopolitics editor at The Economist having recently returned to London after six years living in China as Beijing bureau chief. He launched the Chaguan column on China in that role and last November launched a new column on geopolitics for the newspaper, The Telegram. David joined The Economist in 2007 and in addition to London and Beijing has been based in Brussels and Washington in that time. He is the co-host of the excellent Drum Tower podcast, launched in late 2022. Our discussion is not about Australia at all, really, but about China and the US under Donald Trump. Rival great powers, but perhaps with an increasingly converging worldview which portends, according to David, loneliness for Australia. This is one of the podcast's most important episodes of the past few years and I think worth the time for all those interested in international affairs. Australia in the World is written, hosted, and produced by Darren Lim, with research and editing this episode by Walter Colnaghi and theme music composed by Rory Stenning. Relevant links David Rennie (bio): https://mediadirectory.economist.com/people/david-rennie/ The Economist, The Telegram (column): https://www.economist.com/topics/the-telegram The Economist, Drum Tower (podcast): https://www.economist.com/audio/podcasts/drum-tower Peter Varghese, “Trump's Gaza grab shows America is no better than China”, Australian Financial Review, 6 February 2025: https://www.afr.com/policy/foreign-affairs/trump-s-gaza-grab-shows-america-is-no-better-than-china-20250206-p5la0x Chappell Roan (Spotify page): https://open.spotify.com/artist/7GlBOeep6PqTfFi59PTUUN   Bobby Timmons Trio (Spotify page): https://open.spotify.com/artist/47jpbb07933jSiHmir7yda

In Episode 279, the hosts learn all about Direct Field Audio Testing, or as one of this week's guests put it, “Blasting super loud sound at spacecraft and satellites!” This episode is sponsored by Allen & Heath and RCF.Many listeners will be familiar with Maryland Sound International (MSI), the sound company best known for its work on large-scale events like New Year's Eve in Times Square, the U.S. Presidential Inauguration, and many more. Fewer know of their sister company, Maryland Sound International — Direct Field Audio Testing (MSI-DFAT), which specializes in turning touring and sound reproduction expertise into creating portable, on-demand acoustic testing labs for spaceships, satellites, and other aerospace devices, replacing much more expensive reverberant chamber facility-based testing. If you thought concert PA systems were loud, wait until you hear about pummeling spaceships with 150-plus dB SPL levels to make sure they're safe for launch and orbit!Guest Alessandro “Alex” Carrella, VP Strategy & Growth at MSI-DFAT, has a degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Naples (Italy) and was awarded a PhD in Structural Dynamics at the ISVR (University of Southampton, UK). He's now completing his EMBA at the Universite Louvain-la-Neuve. Alex was a lecturer in Structural Dynamic at the Dept of Aerospace at the University of Bristol. From 2011 to 2020 he worked in different roles to develop testing solutions for the aerospace industry at Siemens (formerly LMS) in Leuven (Belgium). He has become a referent point for the space industry for vibration and acoustic testing, and has been a leading figure in advancing DFAT practices is an active member of the space testing community. Alex has joined MSI-DFAT to lead its international operations and is now shaping MSI's future as VP for Strategy & Growth.Guest Bradley Hope, U.S. Business Development Manager at MSI-DFAT, holds a wealth of experience in acoustic and vibration test engineering and enterprise-level customer relationship management, within the global aerospace industry. Trained under the guidance of vibro-acoustic specialists at Siemens Digital Industries Software, coupled with his passion for business and intrapreneurship, Bradley brings deep commercial expertise to the MSI-DFAT team. Having collaborated closely with clients on a range of complex projects across PLM, CAD, CAE Simulation, and Test Engineering, he possesses a strong understanding of the unique requirements and consistent evolution of the space, aircraft and defense industries. Bradley is enthusiastic about supporting the customer-partners of the Maryland Sound International-Direct Field Acoustic Test (MSI-DFAT) company in its Direct Field Acoustic Noise testing campaigns.Episode Links:MSI-DFAT | Direct Field Acoustic TestingMSI-DFAT on Instagram“NASA's Successful Quantifying of Comedy Timing” by Penn Jillette and TellerEpisode 279 TranscriptConnect with the community on the Signal To Noise Facebook Group and Discord Server. Both are spaces for listeners to create to generate conversations around the people and topics covered in the podcast — we want your questions and comments!Also please check out and support The Roadie Clinic, Their mission is simple. “We exist to empower & heal roadies and th

The strategic partnership between Vietnam and Australia has grown significantly in recent years, grounded in comprehensive and long-term cooperation. The two nations collaborate closely in key areas such as trade, education, and addressing global challenges like climate change and sustainable development.A notable factor strengthening these ties is the Vietnamese community in Australia and the many Vietnamese students pursuing their studies there. This connection serves as a cultural and social bridge between the two countries, reflecting mutual trust and respect while paving the way for new opportunities to foster sustainable and prosperous collaboration.To explore the strategic collaboration between Vietnam and Australia further, this week's English edition of the Vietnam Innovators podcast features Susannah Patton, Director of the Southeast Asia Program at the Lowy Institute and Project Lead for the Asia Power Index, an annual, data-driven report offers a comprehensive analysis of the shifting distribution of power in the region. Susannah has an extensive background in Southeast Asia-focused roles within the Australian government, including serving as a Senior Analyst in the Southeast Asia Branch at the Office of National Intelligence. She has regularly hosted Vietnamese visitors to Australia for roundtables and discussions on regional political and security issues, often in collaboration with DFAT, and has participated in 1.5 track bilateral dialogues between the two countries.In the defense sector, Susannah has participated in Defence Track 1.5 Dialogues in 2022 and 2024, aimed at government and academic audiences. The Lowy Institute also hosted the Institute for Defence Strategy for roundtables in both years. With a strong academic foundation in law and political science from the Australian National University, Susannah Patton is also a regular contributor to esteemed international outlets such as The New York Times and Foreign Affairs. Her work in defense, diplomacy, and strategic studies has played a vital role in enhancing understanding and cooperation between Vietnam and Australia.—Listen to this episode on YouTubeAnd explore many amazing articles about the pioneers at: WebsiteFeel free to leave any questions or invitations for business cooperation at team@vietcetera.com —A big thanks to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for bringing you this podcast series. We're excited to dive into the Australia-Vietnam relationship, rooted in over 50 years of diplomatic ties and now Comprehensive Strategic Partners since March this year.—If you come across something intriguing, kindly consider making a donation.● Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vietcetera● Buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/vietcetera#Vietnam_Innovators #VI #Vietcetera #Vietcetera_Podcast #VNI_EN_S5_27

Matt catches up with the crew from MSI-DFAT a company with over 60 years of combined engineering experience in spacecraft acoustic testing.

Headlines: Kamala Harris' SNL appearance may have violated TV political rules, Anthony Albanese's promise to young voters and Sydney hosts the world premiere of Wicked. Deep Dive: A network of volunteer doctors in Australia are stepping up to provide free medical care for Palestinians who have fled Gaza. From performing surgeries on patients with amputated limbs to treating chronic illness, they are stepping in where the government has fallen short, in part due to visas provided for those fleeing not allowing access to healthcare. One of these doctors is Dr Mohamed Amr. He is the co-founder of the Palestinian Australian New Zealand Medical Association (PANZMA). In this exclusive conversation, he joins Antoinette Lattouf in this episode of The Briefing to talk about PANZMA's work, the devastating suffering he's witnessed, the hope his work is providing to those in need, and what more he wants the government to do. Despite repeated inquiries from The Briefing, DFAT has failed to disclose how many Palestinian refugees are granted access to healthcare or provide a comparison of the visa types granted to Israeli and Ukrainian refugees. In stark contrast to the comprehensive support extended to Ukrainians escaping violence, the majority of the 1,300 Palestinian patients are only on visitor visas. These visas strip them of the right to access health benefits, study, or work, leaving them unable to secure even the most basic medical care. Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israeli Troops Now On The Ground In Lebanon With Fears Beiruit Airport Will Close.  Cowboy Operators Rorting The NDIS On Notice.  Canberra Inquiry Hears Social Media Should Be Banned For Under 18s.  And More Aussies Hit The Shops In August Thanks To Warmer Weather. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israeli Troops Now On The Ground In Lebanon With Fears Beiruit Airport Will Close.  Cowboy Operators Rorting The NDIS On Notice.  Canberra Inquiry Hears Social Media Should Be Banned For Under 18s.  And More Aussies Hit The Shops In August Thanks To Warmer Weather. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian rock lobster fishermen are growing increasingly frustrated and uncertain about lingering Chinese government trade restrictions, months after the federal government declared they were “very confident” the restrictions were on the brink of ending.  In late 2020, China's customs agency blocked live rock lobsters from Australia – citing excessive levels of a heavy metal — as part of a wide-ranging campaign of trade coercion against the Morrison government. The move crippled the crayfish industry, with Chinese exports accounting for 90% of its revenue.  Beijing has since lifted the vast majority of those trade barriers, including hefty tariffs on barley and Australian wine, as Jim Chalmers is scheduled to become the first Australian treasurer to visit China in seven years. Bill Woods chats with China Trade Expert, Andrew Phelan, formerly of DFAT to find out why the industry is so reliant on Chinese exports and why we aren't able to replicate the revenue domestically?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Argy-bargy over the security screening of Palestinian refugees, as Opposition number-crunching reveals Australia is granting thousands more visas than our allies.   Find out more about The Front podcast here. You can read about this story and more on The Australian's website or on The Australian's app. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Jasper Leak. The multimedia editor is Lia Tsamoglou and original music is composed by Jasper Leak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jake and Anthony are joined by Logan and Alan from MSI DFAT to talk about blasting satellites and spacecraft with sound. Seriously, that is their job.TopicsOff-Nominal - YouTubeEpisode 162 - falcon_9.mp3 (with Logan and Alan from MSI DFAT) - YouTubeMSI DFATPhotos | MSI-DFATJWST suffers new problem during spacecraft testing - SpaceNewsSurround Sound - Orion Service Module for Artemis 1 Undergoes Acoustic Tests - NASAFollow Off-NominalSubscribe to the show! - Off-NominalSupport the show, join the DiscordOff-Nominal (@offnom) / TwitterOff-Nominal (@offnom@spacey.space) - Spacey SpaceFollow JakeWeMartians Podcast - Follow Humanity's Journey to MarsWeMartians Podcast (@We_Martians) | TwitterJake Robins (@JakeOnOrbit) | TwitterJake Robins (@JakeOnOrbit@spacey.space) - Spacey SpaceFollow AnthonyMain Engine Cut OffMain Engine Cut Off (@WeHaveMECO) | TwitterMain Engine Cut Off (@meco@spacey.space) - Spacey SpaceAnthony Colangelo (@acolangelo) | TwitterAnthony Colangelo (@acolangelo@jawns.club) - jawns.club

Spaceflight News-- Luch (Olymp) 2 “caught” snooping (sattrackcam.blogspot.com) (sattrackcam.blogspot.com) (russianspaceweb.com) (thespacereview.com)Short & Sweet-- The Poles make it to space! (europeanspaceflight.com)-- ISRO announces major size increase to Indian space station (x.com/ISROSpaceflight)Interview -- MSI-DFAT-- We talked to: -- Alex Carrella, VP Strategy & Growth -- Bradley Hope, Business Manager -- Max Myers, Systems Engineer/Lead Rigger-- Before DFAT (and RFAT), we had feet. (youtube.com)-- msidfat.com-- linktr.ee/msidfatThis Week in Spaceflight History-- July 12, 2001. Launch of Artemis GEO satellite (en.wikipedia.org) (esa.int) (PDF: esa.int)-- Next week (7/16 - 7/22) in 1977: One month now, 312 months later

Crime Stoppers Victoria launches new campaign to tackle youth crime, students under near constant surveillance at Exclusive Brethren-linked schools. Plus, Australian woman's fury at DFAT over husband's 1000 days in Iraqi jail. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Of at least 300 Australians stranded in riot-stricken New Caledonia, 84 have been evacuated on two DFAT flights. The federal government says it is awaiting approval from French authorities to send further planes.

Riots and protests continue in New Caledonia as the french colony remains in a state of emergency after four people, including a police officer were killed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the second episode in a mini-series on international order, Darren is joined by Dr. Jenny Gordon to discuss the international economic order. Over the past 40 years Australia has arguably been the single greatest beneficiary of the post-war economic order, at least among the group of industrialised countries. But from the GFC to Brexit to paralysis in the WTO to the rise of weaponised interdependence, geoeconomics and industrial policy, the rules and institutions of that old economic order – and the international trade and investment that flourished within it – are all under threat. Dr Jenny Gordon is an Honorary Professor at POLIS: The Centre for Social Policy Research at the Australian National University and a non-resident fellow at the Lowy Institute. Jenny had a long career in government, most recently as Chief Economist at DFAT from 2019 to 2021. Prior to that she spent 10 years at the Productivity Commission as the Principal Advisor Research, worked in the private sector, and began her professional career at the Reserve Bank of Australia. She holds a PhD in economics from Harvard University. The conversation begins with the question: what was the old economic order, when did it begin and what did it do? As an economist, Jenny says the end of the Cold War is not a key turning point for the post-war economic order, one must go back to the 1970s and forward to 2000s find these turning points. She describes why the order worked well and how Australia did so well within it. The discussion moves to the problems and tensions that emerged that have led us to the current moment, and the two debate – and disagree slightly – on the actual state of the current economic order. Finally, they look to the future, and discuss industrial policy, climate change, alternative models of economic growth and, of course, geopolitics, as well as what the rules and institutions of the future might need to do to protect the benefits of economic openness while managing contemporary policy challenges like climate change. Australia in the World is written, hosted, and produced by Darren Lim, with research and editing this episode by Walter Colnaghi and theme music composed by Rory Stenning. Relevant links Jenny Gordon (bio): https://www.lowyinstitute.org/jenny-gordon The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Seven_Moons_of_Maali_Almeida Peter Bellwood, The Five-Million-Year Odyssey: The Human Journey from Ape to Agriculture: https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691197579/the-five-million-year-odyssey 99 Percent Invisible (podcast): https://99percentinvisible.org/ Lupin (Netflix): https://www.netflix.com/au/title/80994082 Huberman Lab Podcast, “Dr. Becky Kennedy: Protocols for Excellent Parenting & Improving Relationships of All Kinds”, 26 February 2024: https://www.hubermanlab.com/episode/dr-becky-kennedy-protocols-for-excellent-parenting-improving-relationships-of-all-kinds

Fringe Festival - Kate Schrader and Ruth Harvey were appointed last year as co-directors of the 'Dunedin Fringe Festival Both Ms Harvey and Ms Schrader have previously held part-time senior roles in the organisation, and are enjoying the transition to jointly steering the DFAT stable of projects. We will discuss the history of Fringe Festival's internationally and the history of the 'Dunedin Fringe Festival in particular. We will also talk about how the COVID-19 affected the direction and nature of events like the Fringe Festival and what we can look forward to in this Fringe Festival. Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

University of Sydney School of Rural Health Welcome Event for Year 1 Students.  Night to Welcome the GP Registrars to the Region.  EnergyCo Community and Employment Benefit Program Workshop.  Demerger Discussions in Parliament.  Bring Your Bills Day in Dubbo and Wellington.  Meeting with Charles Sturt University.  National Gallery of Australia Touring Exhibition - Ceremony: 4th Indigenous Art Triennial.  Update on the Homeless River Camp at Regand Park.  Workshop Held to Elevate Your Grant Applications.  Future of Wujiang Exchange and Sister City Relationships Involving DFAT.  Meeting Being Held in Molong to Discuss Kerrs Creek Wind Farm.  Limerick of the Week. 

Last week, Nepal and India signed a power trade deal during the Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishanker's visit. The agreement consolidates the bilateral understanding of electricity exports pushed during the PM's visit to India in 2023.  Given the Indian government's conditions on cross-border electricity trade, which recognizes electricity as a strategic commodity of interest, the recent agreement can be interpreted as a positive sign. However, the current agreement does not specify who, how, and when this electricity will be traded.  Hopefully, these matters will be progressively defined in the days to come. For now, we are re-releasing an earlier episode that touches upon the drivers, optimism, and challenges of Nepal India's power trade.  Originally aired on 26 September 2022, in this episode of PxP: Conversations, Saumitra Neupane and Sagar Prasai discuss how the Indian electricity market gets featured in Nepal's hydropower imagination, the impact that this has had on Nepal's ability to exploit its hydropower potential, and what differentiates the Nepali model from that of other bilateral arrangements such as those between India and Bhutan.  They also examine India's policy positions on cross-border electricity trade in the last ten years and how regional rivalry between India and China complicates energy markets in South Asia. They also discuss the future market opportunities for Nepali hydropower and whether there are longer-term trends that support supply signals and investor confidence in Nepali hydropower. They end their conversation by discussing the possibilities of markets beyond India, primarily Bangladesh and China, and evaluate whether realistic opportunities exist on these fronts. Sagar Prasai is a development professional with over two decades of experience working in water, energy, climate issues, and regional cooperation in South Asia. He is based in Nepal and provides advisory services to various organizations, including The Asia Foundation and the Australian Government's DFAT. Previously, he served as The Asia Foundation's country representative in India. He has a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics, and click here to support us on Patreon!!  

The Aid Market Podcast, hosted by Mike Shanley, explores USAID growth strategies, including bootstrapping, external investment, and mergers & acquisitions (M&A). Guests Keith Ives, CEO of Causal Design, and Santiago Sedaca, President of Empower International Development, share their experiences and insights. Edward Williams,  partner at Williams LLP, joins the conversation to discuss legal considerations in M&A. The discussion concludes with Christy Hollywood, COO of Konektid, who provides a summary of the key takeaways. Throughout the episode, guests share their experiences and insights on regulatory compliance, due diligence, and the importance of relationships in government contracting. The conversation also emphasizes the value of M&A for career opportunities and impactful development work, highlighting the legal and financial considerations involved. Clear communication, cultural fit, and market understanding are highlighted as crucial factors in ensuring successful acquisitions. IN THIS EPISODE: [01:44] Keith Ives reflects on his educational and business background, culminating in his being a founding partner in Causal Design. [06:24] Keith discusses the importance of relationships and attendance at industry events. He also comments on the importance of independent CPA-reviewed financials.  [15:36] When should a firm start sponsoring events?  [18:23] Santiago Sedaca discusses mergers and acquisitions in the USAID market, and he reflects on the acquisition of his company by Palladium.  [25:20] Santiago describes the process of a merger or acquisition and how to prepare for them.  [36:17] Mike asks if localization plays into acquisitions, and Santiago comments on private equity firms buying up small businesses.  [41:46] Keith comments on not being a small business if acquired and doing a test run with contracts. Santiago points out that culture is a factor.  [46:52] Edward Williams describes what happens when a client wants to merge with or acquire another firm and whether there are additional complications if a non-US firm intends to acquire a US firm.   [55:54] Christy Hollywood shares her takeaways from today's conversation.    KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Building strong relationships with prime contractors and key players in the industry is crucial for success in the USAID market. Attending industry events and networking can open doors and create opportunities for collaboration. In USAID contracting and international development, successful mergers hinge on factors like net income, reputation, and strong market relationships. Cultural fit is vital, and post-acquisition success requires careful integration planning. The sector's low net income margins and minimal involvement of investments or private equity present unique challenges in M&A activities. The importance of understanding the "why" behind mergers and acquisitions, as it can be a mission-driven decision, not just a financial one. This understanding can provide opportunities for career advancement and better development work.   RESOURCES: Aid Market Podcast Mike Shanley - LinkedIn Causal Design - Website Keith Ives - LinkedIn Santiago Sedaca - LinkedIn Williams LLP - Website Edward Williams - LinkedIn Konektid - Website Christy Hollywood - LinkedIn   BIOGRAPHIES Santiago Sedaca Executive experience in thriving organizations (CARANA, Palladium, DT Global, Wise Responder) leading strategy, developing top performing teams, and managing large technical, business development and operations teams (1000+ people), producing market-leading financial results and social impact (managed $100 million+ P&L). Expert innovator in international development and commercial strategies in emerging markets, working across a range of disciplines with a strong track record in public-private partnerships, sustainability, innovative finance, private sector development, improved governance and natural resource management. Business Development track record, selling more than $700 million in new projects in the last ten years, with networks within USAID, FCDO, DFAT, MCC, DFC, multilateral agencies, and corporations, having worked in more than forty countries. Edward Williams is a powerful and efficient advocate for his clients. Since 2015, Super Lawyer has rated him a Rising Star in the area of commercial litigation.An experienced attorney with a long history of success in trial practice and transactional matters, T. Edward Williams is a skilled business attorney who have litigated cases involving in variety of business litigation cases, including partnership and shareholder disputes, employment law, uniform commercial code law, oil and gas law, and securities law. Edward is also skilled in bankruptcy and international arbitration matters.Edward has represented American and foreign companies in matters involving the Defend Trade Secrets Act, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, among others. Keith Ives is a project and policy leader passionate about evidence-based decision-making in development economics and humanitarian response. Before bringing the Causal Design team together, he consulted for The World Bank and worked for Georgetown University's Initiative on Innovation, Development, and Evaluation (gui2de) designing mobile phone-based surveys and managing randomized trials in Kenya and Nigeria. Keith has designed evaluations for the Liberian and Rwandan Ministries of Agriculture, executed a growth diagnostic for the Kurdistan Regional Government, coordinated humanitarian responses in Haiti, Nigeria, and the United States, managed economic development projects in Kenya and Burkina Faso, and led Marines during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Christy Hollywood supports Konektid clients and consultants with skills honed during 20+ years of leadership in international development, professional services, and consulting organizations. She led a successful consulting firm of her own for 11 years. Earlier, she served as Vice President for BD of Cardno (a large USAID and MCC contractor, since acquired) and held pivotal business development roles at KPMG's Emerging Markets Group, RTI International, PATH, as well as Fidelity Investments and Noblis. A recognized expert in business development consulting, she's authored several articles and is five-time invited presenter at international conferences on proposal management, competitive intelligence, and business development.  

The Australian Volunteers Program is an Australian Government-funded initiative that supports global volunteering across the Pacific, Asia, and Africa to achieve locally led change and the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals.In this episode of Contain This, we bring you a story of how one Australian volunteer helped to support health outcomes in Vanuatu, working with the Ministry of Health in Port Vila, supported by the Australian Volunteers Program. Chris Coles has recently wrapped up his assignment in Vanuatu, which he commenced in January 2022. Speaking while on assignment in Port Vila, Chris talks about why he was motivated to volunteer, his science background, what his work has involved in supporting Vanuatu's COVID-19 response, the challenges he's faced, and what he's learnt and achieved during his assignment. The Australian Volunteers Program fosters strong relationships between Australians and communities around the world to contribute to equitable development outcomes.   The Australian Volunteers Program is calling for Australians to register their interest or search assignments advertised on the website. There are now a range of different options to choose from including remote, in-country and hybrid assignments.For more information visit: www.australianvolunteers.com We encourage you to join the conversation on X (formerly Twitter) at @AusAmbRHS.

The past decade has seen huge progress in the way companies analyse their exposure to carbon emissions, but far less effort has been put into understanding the complex interactions companies have with nature, and the risks this poses for investors and the health of our environment. If we're to have a hope of reaching net-zero, we need to reverse the trends of biodiversity loss and incentivise companies to assess the risks and opportunities around natural-capital. On the podcast today we have the perfect guest to discuss this topic, I'm joined by Tony Goldner, he's the CEO of the TNFD, the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures, an organisation that was established to try and solve this very problem. The big news is that this week Tony and his team have published the final version of the TNFD Recommendations. It's a framework that will give companies and investors alike a clear and uniform model for putting nature on the balance sheet. Tony's worked at the helm of the TNFD since it was founded two years ago. He's originally from Australia, he now lives and works in Europe, and he's had a fascinating career that spans foreign affairs with DFAT, he's worked in global finance, he's been a consultant, and now he's pulling it all together to convene a mix of stakeholders across the globe and across industries. It really was a thrill to speak to Tony on such a big week for the TNFD, the recommendations have only been live for a few days, and so in this conversation I did my best to offer a broad overview of the final recommendations, and practical actions to help us integrate them. And of course this episode is part of a broader series that's exploring how we can shift our economy to be ‘nature-positive', so be sure to subscribe so you can follow along. And a company that's been central to the ‘nature positive' mission is GreenCollar, which has come on board to be the sponsor of this series. GreenCollar is a developer and innovator of environmental market solutions, they recognise the power of putting a financial value on nature, as an incentive to drive sustainable land management, cleaning up our waterways and avoiding further loss of biodiversity and animal species. Since launching more than a decade ago, the company has become Australia's largest developer of nature-based carbon credit projects, and they're pushing the market forward with schemes like ‘Reef Credits', which target improved water quality at The Great Barrier Reef. And their latest innovation is NaturePlus, a new form of biodiversity credits that aim to protect and restore ecosystems around the world. They're measuring biodiversity outcomes on the ground, with a scientifically rigorous and verifiable methodology, that puts a value on natural capital, to enable investment in the conservation of high value ecosystems. Reach out to the team at www.GreenCollar.com.au to find out more. And, you can find all the show notes and links on the website at www.johntreadgold.com. And that's where you'll also find the Good future newsletter. Your source of insights and updates about the world of impact investing. You'll stay up to date on trends, you'll get access to the latest podcast episodes, and you might just get an early lead on the most exciting and high impact companies and funds. Enjoy the episode!!

A teenager taken to ISIS territory when he was just 10 was presumed dead - but now it appears he may be alive and in a Syrian jail.  Find out more about The Front podcast here and read about this story and more on The Australian's website or search for The Australian in your app store. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet, and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. The multimedia editor is Lia Tsamoglou, and original music composed by Jasper Leak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#Ep.047 Last Monday, the 29th of May, Finance Minister Dr. Mahat took the parliamentary podium for three grueling hours to announce the national budget for the Fiscal Year 2023/ 24. Besides the typical significance of the policy document for the State, this year's Budget gathered more anticipation as word about a looming economic crisis was spreading fervently among experts and citizens alike. The Budget and its performance hence is a test for the State to prove its capacity to overcome historical errors.  In today's episode,  PEI's Saumitra Neupane sits with Sagar Prasai and Paras Kharel in a riveting conversation discussing the Nepal Budget FY 2023/24, analyzing its structure, priorities, and impacts.  They situate the Budget in the current context of an economic slowdown, tracing historical patterns, factors, and events that have enervated the Nepali economy. Their conversation then informs how the budget responds to contemporary economic challenges and what factors play into its performance success or failure.  Sagar is a development professional with over two decades of experience working in the areas of water, energy, climate issues, and regional cooperation in South Asia. He currently provides advisory services to various organizations, including The Asia Foundation and the Australian Government's DFAT.  Paras is a trade economist with over 15 years of research experience. He is the Executive Director at South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics, and Environment and has a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Melbourne.  Click here to support us on Patreon!!

Oscar Temaru corruption conviction annulled; Cook Islands 2023 budget increases minimum wage; Australia's DFAT advised to re-appraise its aid projects.

Australia's DFAT advised to re-appraise its aid projects.

This week we conclude our interview with former Australian diplomat Jeremy Dicker with a good hard look at the state of Australia's foreign affairs. Where do we rate as a diplomatic power? What were the findings of the latest review into DFAT and what needs to change? And how has the rise of the internet made diplomatic relations more complicated? Put on your fishnets and dance like there's no tomorrow with this ep! Produced by DM PodcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kirk chats with Troy Tyson with DST Precision about his DFAT system, family-friendly matches, and testing ammunition.LinksFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/onlyshootersakInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/onlyshooterslongrange/Web - https://www.onlyshooters.com/Contact Troy Tyson: dstprecison@yahoo.comDFAT's and weights:www.dstprecision.netAmmo: www.dstprecision.uswww.laserhit.comStructured Open Range Weekend May 26-29th 2023 Practiscore linkDST Precision Weekend (Centerfire part)DST Precision Weekend (RIMFIRE part)

Building capacity in science education is essential for global science literacy. Dr Graham Walker has been heavily involved in this through his work with Science Circus Africa, Science Circus Pacific and through his work via the National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science (CPAS) at the Australian National University. Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education About Dr Graham Walker Dr Graham Walker is a science communication teacher, researcher and practitioner based at the National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science (CPAS) at the Australian National University, where he convenes Postgraduate Coursework. He works at the interface of science communication and informal STEM learning, capacity building and co-development, emotion and motivation, and communication of social and environmental issues, particularly in informal learning contexts like science centres, science shows and hands-on workshops. Graham has been involved in science communication capacity building throughout the Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East since 2003. He founded Science Circus Africa which, through dynamic partnerships with African organisations, has trained more than 500 staff and reached 73,000 people in 10 African countries, and more recently the DFAT-supported Science Circus Pacific. He is an avid aficionado of science shows and has performed shows and delivered training globally. Research interests Science communication capacity building, training, international development and cross-cultural codesign - especially in Africa, the Pacific and Asia. Science centres and informal science learning methods, e.g. science shows, hands-on workshops, interactive exhibits, making and tinkering, etc. Application of informal science learning methods to socioscientific issues such as climate, environment and health. Emotion and motivation in science communication and informal science learning Further linkshttps://cpas.anu.edu.au/people/dr-graham-walker ANU Master of Science Communication https://science.anu.edu.au/study/masters/master-science-communication Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education With interviews with leading science educators and STEM thought leaders, this science education podcast is about highlighting different ways of teaching kids within and beyond the classroom. It's not just about educational practice & pedagogy, it's about inspiring new ideas & challenging conventions of how students can learn about their world! https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/ Know an educator who'd love this STEM podcast episode?  Share it!The FizzicsEd podcast is a member of the Australian Educators Online Network (AEON )http://www.aeon.net.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The private sector is increasingly becoming a player in the development space. Whether through the provision of grants or becoming directly involved in the provision of essential services or investments in sustainability, the private sector has an increasing interest in stepping into a space that has been traditionally occupied by NGOs. How can for-profits and not-for-profits meet in the middle? Is it always just about the greater good? And how can private or blended finance help us to meet the Sustainable Development Goals? The Australian Sustainable Finance Insitute (ASFI) was set up to help better align finance with development needs and goals. The institute is headed by Kristy Graham, who spent many years at DFAT, and before that AusAID, working primarily in development finance and climate finance. In this episode of 'Reimagining Development', Kristy joins Jess and Rachel to discuss how private finance can be leveraged and delivered to meet development goals. www.asfi.org.au *ASFI was established in 2021. In the podcast, you'll note that we say 'last year'. That's because this was recorded at the tail end of 2022, so isn't quite correct.

The “Chinese spy balloon” has dominated news for the past few weeks and thus Allan and Darren feel compelled to open the episode with their views. FM Penny Wong's speech in the UK sparked controversy for her comments on colonial history, or did it? Meanwhile, a successful 2+2 with France highlighted how far the relationship has come since a low point in late 2020. DM Richard Marles spoke to parliament on the question of sovereignty and defence capabilities, while International Development Minister Pat Conroy wants to see more development specialists in leadership roles at DFAT. We thank Walter Colnaghi for research and audio editing and Rory Stenning for composing our theme music. Relevant links “Chinese balloon part of vast aerial surveillance program, U.S. says”, Washington Post, 7 February 2023: https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2023/02/07/china-spy-balloon-intelligence/ Penny Wong, “TV interview with Michael Rowland, ABC News Breakfast”, 6 February 2023: https://www.foreignminister.gov.au/minister/penny-wong/transcript/tv-interview-michael-rowland-abc-news-breakfast Penny Wong, “An enduring partnership in an era of change”, Speech, Centre for Grand Strategy, King's College, London, 31 January 2023: https://www.foreignminister.gov.au/minister/penny-wong/speech/enduring-partnership-era-change Hans van Leeuwen, “Why Wong got a walloping in Britain this week”, Australian Financial Review, 3 February 2023: https://www.afr.com/policy/foreign-affairs/why-penny-got-a-pounding-in-britain-this-week-20230203-p5chne Richard Marles, “Securing Australia's Sovereignty”, Statement to Parliament, 9 February 2023: https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/statements/2023-02-09/securing-australias-sovereignty Matthew Knot, “‘AUKUS will enhance sovereignty': Marles dismisses Keating, Turnbull concerns”, Sydney Morning Herald, 8 February 2023: https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/aukus-will-enhance-sovereignty-marles-dismisses-keating-turnbull-concerns-20230208-p5cj1q.html   Stephen Dziedzic, “International Development Minister Pat Conroy wants AusAID to regain prominence within DFAT”, ABC News, 9 February 2023: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-02-09/pat-conroy-dfat-wants-development-specialists-ausaid-/101951876 “Anthony Albanese on navigating an insecure world”, Guardian Australia, Australian Politics Podcast, 4 February 2023: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/audio/2023/feb/04/anthony-albanese-on-navigating-an-insecure-world (Podcast Transcript: https://www.pm.gov.au/media/podcast-interview-guardian-australia-politics-podcast ) Annie Ernaux, “The years” (book): https://www.penguin.com.au/books/the-years-9781609807870 Jim Chalmers, “Capitalism after the crisis”, The Monthly, February 2023: https://www.themonthly.com.au/issue/2023/february/jim-chalmers/capitalism-after-crises#mtr Noah Smith, “Vertical communities”, Noahpinion (substack), 27 January 2023: https://noahpinion.substack.com/p/vertical-communities

New government, new policy directions. Since gaining office, the Albanese Government has signalled that it's intent on drawing a line and starting afresh. This includes the development space, with not one, but two reviews of policy currently underway, for development and development finance. The Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Minister Pat Conroy, spoke to Rachel and Jess for the second episode of Reimagining Development. In it, he spells out his vision for how the intenational development program can and should evolve: everything from putting people at the heart of development, to how to work with Pacific partners. He also drops hints about how he would like to see DFAT better integrate development practice – and it's a big one! Tune in for a scintillating listen – one that is in equal parts inspiring and illuminating about our new International Development Minister's vision for his portfolio.

The Squiz is your shortcut to the news. More details and links to further reading for all of today's news can be found in The Squiz Today email. Click here to get it in your inbox each weekday morning. LINKS:  If you're concerned about friends or loved ones following the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, you can contact the DFAT consular assistance line. If you have a couple of minutes, we'd really appreciate it if you could complete our Squiz Saturday survey. To try your hand at the "peak Sydney" fancy Jatz appetiser, check out the recipe here. Other things we do: Squiz Shortcuts - a weekly explainer on big news topics. Squiz Kids - a news podcast for curious kids. Age-appropriate news without the nasties!

A former Australian soldier has been killed while fighting in Ukraine. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has confirmed that a Victorian man Sage O'Donnell was killed in the lead up to Christmas. His mother posted a statement on social media, saying that she was "devastated" and that her son died in action while "defending the freedom of the Ukrainian people." A DFAT spokesperson says they are "providing consular assistance to the family". - З початком повномасштабного вторгнення російської армії в Україну колишній австралійський військовослужбовець став добровольцем і приїхав в Рівне. На жаль, напередодні Різдва, у боях під Бахмутом він загинув. 24-річний австралійський доброволець Сейдж О'Доннелл із позивним ім'ям Дон «Чайка» захищав Україну в лавах «Іноземного леґіону». Перекладачка Катя Деркач, оприлюднила на Facebook лист, який захисник України залишив на випадок, якщо з ним щось станеться…

In this episode we're joined by a panel of experts from the World Bank to discuss universal health coverage in Southeast Asia and the Pacific.  Panellists:Dr Toomas Palu, Adviser on Global Coordination at the World Bank's Health, Nutrition and Population Global Practice (Geneva, Switzerland)Dr Aparnaa Somanathan, Practice Manager for Health, Nutrition and Population for the East Asia Pacific region (Sydney, Australia)Dr Wayne Irava, Health Specialist (Honiara, Solomon Islands)Chindavanh Vongsaly, Health Specialist (Vientiane, Laos)We explore the current state of UHC in Southeast Asia and the Pacific post-pandemic and what the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted about the intersection between global health security and UHC. We also discuss: Why UHC is it more than essential health servicesHow the World Bank is working with partners like DFAT to help strengthen health systems through the Advance UHC Multi-Donor Trust Fund How UHC compares in Southeast Asia and the Pacific in terms of political commitments, progress, and challengesThe extent to which the Advance UHC Multi-Donor Trust Fund is an innovative way of progressing UHCKey insights from Advance UHC Multi-Donor Trust Fund programs in Laos.Read more at The Advance UHC Multi-Donor Trust Fund.We encourage you to join the conversation at @CentreHealthSec. You can also follow the World Bank at @WorldBank.

GUEST HOST: Jeremy Beck On today's show Stuart Ballantyne asks... Can Adelaide build nuclear submarines? And Tony Kevin discusses the current geopolitical landscape. GUEST 1 OVERVIEW: Stuart Ballantyne is a fellow of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects. He has a long list of awards including the ICHCA Annual Award 1996, Sea trade Award 1997 (London), Cruise and Ferry Award 2003 (London), AUSMEPA Marine Environment Award 2006 (Sydney) and the Institute of Export – Export Hero of the Year 2008 (Australia). Stuart holds a Master of Philosophy (Naval Architecture) from Strathclyde University, Scotland, and was awarded an honorary doctorate in science from Strathclyde in 2014 for his services to the maritime Industry. GUEST 2 OVERVIEW: Tony Kevin is a retired former Australian senior diplomat with 30 years career service including postings to the former Soviet Union in 1969-71, and in the Australian permanent delegation to the UN in New York in 1974-76. His last posts were as Ambassador to Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1990-94 and to Cambodia in 1994-97. He retired from DFAT after thirty years' service in 1998 at age 55.

Ep. Co#004 Nepal's hydropower narrative has always had the export of electricity to India as one of the key components. In this episode of PxP:Conversations, Saumitra Neupane and Sagar Prasai discuss how the Indian electricity market gets featured in Nepal's hydropower imagination, the impact that this has had on Nepal's ability to exploit its hydropower potential, and what differentiates the Nepali model from that of other bilateral arrangements such as those between India and Bhutan. They also examine India's policy positions in the last ten years on cross-border electricity trade and how regional rivalry between India and China is complicating energy markets in South Asia. They also discuss the future market opportunities for Nepali hydropower and whether there are longer-term trends that support supply signals and investor confidence for Nepali hydropower. They end their conversation with a discussion on the possibilities of markets beyond India, primarily Bangladesh but also China, and evaluate whether there are realistic opportunities on these fronts. Sagar Prasai is a development professional with over two decades of experience working in the areas of water, energy, climate issues, and regional cooperation in South Asia. He is currently based in Nepal and provides advisory services to various organizations, including The Asia Foundation and the Australian Government's DFAT. Previously, he served as The Asia Foundation's country representative in India. He has a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. To catch the latest from us on Nepal's policy and politics, please follow us on Twitter at Tweet2PEI, that's TWEET, followed by the number 2, and PEI. You can also follow us on Facebook at policyentrepreneursinc, or visit our website: www.pei.center to learn more about our work.

In this episode Darren picks up on a comment Allan has made several times on the podcast (including the previous episode) about the need for the Australian government to make a formal statement on China. To Allan this is a statement of the obvious, but the two find a surprising amount to disagree upon on the merits of the Prime Minister or Foreign Minister giving a major speech on Australia's relationship with China. Allan outlines the benefits and how a speech might be structured, while Darren worries about the risks, and contrasts different approaches in speeches from the US Secretary of State and the Singaporean Prime Minister. The episode concludes by noting the death of Australia's Head of State, Queen Elizabeth II, and some thoughts on the role of the monarch in Australian foreign policy. We thank Atikah Mekki for audio editing and Rory Stenning for composing our theme music. Relevant links OHCHR Assessment of human rights concerns in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China, 31 August 2022: https://www.ohchr.org/en/documents/country-reports/ohchr-assessment-human-rights-concerns-xinjiang-uyghur-autonomous-region Penny Wong, “Human rights concerns in Xinjiang”, Ministerial Statement, 1 September 2022: https://www.foreignminister.gov.au/minister/penny-wong/statements/human-rights-concerns-xinjiang Chinese Embassy Spokesperson's Remarks on the Ministerial statement on human rights in Xinjiang by DFAT, 6 September 2022: http://au.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/sghdxwfb_1/202209/t20220906_10762674.htm Stuart Doran, “Australia refused to endorse China's claim to Taiwan in 1972 because it foresaw a time like this”, ASPI Strategist, 7 September 2022: https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/australia-refused-to-endorse-chinas-claim-to-taiwan-in-1972-because-it-foresaw-a-time-like-this/ Secretary Blinken Speech: The Administration's Approach to the People's Republic of China, Washington DC, 26 May 2022: https://au.usembassy.gov/secretary-blinken-speech-the-administrations-approach-to-the-peoples-republic-of-china/ PM Lee Hsien Loong at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2019, 31 May 2019: https://www.pmo.gov.sg/Newsroom/PM-Lee-Hsien-Loong-at-the-IISS-Shangri-La-Dialogue-2019 European Commission and HR/VP contribution to the European Council, “EU-China – A strategic outlook”, 12 March 2019: https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/default/files/communication-eu-china-a-strategic-outlook.pdf Scott Morrison, “Speech at Chinese-Australian Community Event”, 4 October 2018: https://china.embassy.gov.au/bjng/181005pmspeech.html Andrew Sullivan, “An icon, not an idol”, The Weekly Dish (Substack), 10 September 2022: https://andrewsullivan.substack.com/p/an-icon-not-an-idol-71f The rest is politics (podcast): https://shows.acast.com/the-rest-is-politics Mark Harrison, “Correspondence: Sleepwalk to war - Quarterly Essay”, 10 September 2022: https://twitter.com/mhar4/status/1568467164616871937?s=12&t=KFYS6frsFPq3VstL5iW0iQ Rory Medcalf, “Correspondence: Sleepwalk to war - Quarterly Essay”, 8 September 2022: https://nsc.crawford.anu.edu.au/department-news/20571/sleepwalk-war-correspondence Kevin Rudd, “Correspondence: Sleepwalk to war - Quarterly Essay”, 8 September 2022: https://www.kevinrudd.com/media/correspondence-sleepwalk-to-war-quarterly-essay   Sam Lim MP, First Speech to Parliament, 6 September 2022: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gEYwSAjaeM Dai Le MP, First Speech to Parliament, 6 September 2022: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORkHpdYZezY Keith Wolahan MP, First Speech to Parliament, 6 September 2022: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iCPnV2sIw4

For the 100th episode of Australia in the World, Allan and Darren welcome Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Penny Wong. Allan begins by asking the Minister “why this job?” given her heavy additional responsibilities, and how she is able to carve out “thinking time” given the non-stop nature of her role. The hosts are thrilled to hear that Senator Wong listens to the podcast, and even listened to recent episode where her own speeches were discussed! Darren raises her Kuala Lumpur speech with a question about the links between Australia's interests and its evolving modern identity. He then harks back to the Senator's first speech to the Australian Parliament, delivered in August 2002, to ask whether compassion – a central theme in that first speech – might play a role in managing some of Australia's most difficult relationships. He then asks what role foreign policy might play in boosting public trust in democratic institutions at home. The conversation turns to DFAT, and how Australia's diplomatic capability can best be augmented given most Commonwealth Government departments have international footprints. Darren cannot resist asking about Senate Estimates hearings, including the balance professional bureaucrats must strike between secrecy and accountability. Allan turns the conversation to agency – a long-running theme of the podcast – to ask whether and how foreign policy outcomes can be different under the new government. Allan also asks about how Australia can balance its regional versus global interests. We thank Annabel Howard for audio editing and Rory Stenning for composing our theme music. We also thank all the previous AIIA interns who have provided essential support to the podcast over the past four years. Allan and Darren also wish to express their heartfelt gratitude to listeners to this podcast. The only reason we reached our 100th episode is because of the encouragement, interest and feedback we have received from an audience that has continued to grow. We found an engaged and informed community of people who share our conviction that Australian foreign policy matters for everything we want to do as a country. We could not be more grateful for your support. Thank you. Relevant links Senator the Hon Penny Wong, First Speech to Parliament, 21 August 2022: https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22chamber%2Fhansards%2F2002-08-21%2F0106%22;src1=sm1

In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Professor Joanne Wallis and Adjunct Professor Ian Kemish AM join Nicola Rosenblum to discuss the future of Australian diplomacy in the Pacific.It's been a busy year for diplomacy in the Pacific, with visits to multiple countries by China's Foreign Minster Wang Yi and Australia's newly-minted Foreign Minister Penny Wong. Attention for the region heightened at the Pacific Islands Forum when the United States pledged to scale up its engagement in the region, including the establishment of new embassies. Given these recent events why has there been such intense diplomatic interest in the Pacific? Is the Pacific “family” metaphor useful when talking about and with the region? And what role does Australia have in strengthening regional unity? In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Professor of International Security at the University of Adelaide Joanne Wallis and former Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea Ian Kemish AM join Deputy Head of the ANU National Security College Nicola Rosenblum to discuss the future of diplomacy in the Pacific.Joanne Wallis is Professor of International Security in the Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Adelaide. She is the author or editor of seven books, including Constitution making during State building and Pacific Power? Australia's Strategy in the Pacific Islands.Ian Kemish AM is an Adjunct Research Professor in History at The University of Queensland and author of The Consul: An insider account from Australia's diplomatic frontline. He was formerly Australia's High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Ambassador to Germany, Head of the Prime Minister's International Division and DFAT's Southeast Asia Division.Nicola Rosenblum is Deputy Head of the National Security College, on secondment from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). She has served as Australia's High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam, as well as other diplomatic postings to Australia's High Commission in Pakistan and Australia's mission to the United Nations in Vienna.We'd love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to NatSecPod@anu.edu.au. You can tweet us @NSC_ANU and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on future episodes. The National Security Podcast is available on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

Casey and Chris are back from their summer break and it's time to geek out and talk about all the cool news coming out of the summer conventions and more! So strap in because we are in the 10th year of DFAT and we're still rocking!! Enjoy and check out the other great shows on the DFAT ENTERTAINMENT podcast network! If you or someone you know is a fan of any of our podcasts show them some support with some apparel from White Imprints! INTRO RIP James Cann, Tony Sirico, Paul Sorvino & Nichelle Nichols GEEKIN' OUT SDCC & Power-Con Marvel - TV, Movies & Games MCU SDCC Goodness Daniel Crettin for Kang Dynasty DD and Kingpin confirmed for Echo DD yellow suit I Am Groot Open world BP game from EA Moon Knight 2 filming rumor? DC - TV, Movies & Games DC Reset 10 year plan Batgirl gets "shelved" Catwoman Easter Egg Joker: Folie À Deux - 10/4/24 -Arkham Animated Movies - Legion of Super-Heroes, The Doom that came to Gotham & JL: Warworld Stargirl S3 8/31 The Flash to end in 2023 - 13 eps Harley and Joker podcast SW - TV, Movies & Games Star Wars: The Acolyte Casts Amandla Stenberg Andor trailer - 9/21 3 eps Comics Namor Conquered Shores Darkwing Duck Star Trek Across the Multiverse Frank Miller Publishing Valiant layoffs TMNT Last Ronin prequel

When the Nadesalingam family recently returned to their adopted Queensland home of Biloela, there was great relief as it brought to an end a years-long nightmare for Priya, Nades and their two young daughters. But what does their happy ending mean for the thousands of people currently in detention in Australia, or who may end up there with reports suggesting that thousands more Sri Lankans are desperate to flee their homeland for a safer life? The Quicky speaks to a human rights expert to find out where Australia stands on our border policy and 'turning back the boats' under the new Labor Government, and what that means for millions of Sri Lankans who are living in turmoil. Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au CONTACT US Got a topic you'd like us to cover? Send us an email at thequicky@mamamia.com.au CREDITS  Host: Claire Murphy With thanks to: Mary Anne Kenny - Associate Professor in the Discipline of Law within the College of Arts, Business, Law and Social Science at Murdoch University, who is an expert in migration law, refugee law, human rights and clinical legal education. Producer: Claire Murphy Executive Producer: Siobhán Moran-McFarlane Audio Producer: Thom Lion Subscribe to The Quicky at...https://mamamia.com.au/the-quicky/ Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Just by reading our articles or listening to our podcasts, you're helping to fund girls in schools in some of the most disadvantaged countries in the world - through our partnership with Room to Read. We're currently funding 300 girls in school every day and our aim is to get to 1,000. Find out more about Mamamia at mamamia.com.au Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hundreds of people stood in queues outside the Passport Office in Sydney's CBD today, waiting for updates on their passport applications or to collect their new passports. Many of the people waiting say they applied for a passport more than two months ago.

All sides are talking but Fijiana Drua's defence of their Super W title next year is not confirmed yet. Meanwhile the FRU and NZR are talking about the possibility of switching the Hamilton World 7s Series leg to Fiji some time after 2023.

Over the past couple of weeks, there has been a lot of concern about a new security deal that the Solomon Islands have signed with China, even though we don't really know much about what it contains. Nonetheless, many critics have suggested that it was a massive failing on the part of our Federal Government that more wasn't done to stop the deal from happening, as it could potentially threaten Australia's security with China's increasing influence in the region. The Quicky speaks to an expert in Australian politics, and an academic focused on the Pacific to find out what exactly the pact may entail, how it could impact Australia, and just how concerned you need to be. CREDITS  Host: Claire Murphy With thanks to: Mark Kenny - Australian Studies Professor at the Australian National University's College of Arts and Social Sciences, and host of the weekly politics and public affairs podcast, Democracy Sausage With Mark Kenny Associate Professor Patricia O'Brien - Academic in the Department of Asian Studies at Georgetown University in Washington D.C., and a Visiting Fellow at the Department of Pacific Affairs at the Australian National University in Canberra. She is also a visiting fellow at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington D.C. Producer: Claire Murphy Executive Producer: Siobhán Moran-McFarlane Audio Producer: Jacob Round Subscribe to The Quicky at... https://mamamia.com.au/the-quicky/ CONTACT US Got a topic you'd like us to cover? Send us an email at thequicky@mamamia.com.au GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We're listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Just by reading or listening to our content, you're helping to fund girls in schools in some of the most disadvantaged countries in the world - through our partnership with Room to Read. We're currently funding 300 girls in school every day and our aim is to get to 1,000. Find out more about Mamamia at mamamia.com.au  Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special Women in Politics series for the Australia-PNG Network, the Lowy Institute's Jessica Collins and women from Papua New Guinea discuss the deep-seated challenge of women's political representation in Papua New Guinea in the lead-up to its national election. In this first episode, Jessica speaks with Theresa Meki – an expert in Papua New Guinean women's political representation – about the experience for women trying to enter politics in the country, where no women are currently serving in the national parliament. They discuss the realities and challenges of campaigning, including how vote-buying and clientelism, traditional obligations, reciprocity, patriarchalism and legacy candidates contribute to the uneven playing field for female candidates. Theresa tells Jessica there have been years wasted in between elections to work on the problem. “We only talk about women when it's election time … And I think that's the issue. There was a whole five years that more things could have been done.” Join Jessica and Theresa as they take you through these issues and present ideas on how to change the nature of women's political representation in Papua New Guinea. Theresa Meki is a PhD Candidate with the Department of Pacific Affairs, Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs at the Australian National University. Her research focuses on women's presence and vote share in Papua New Guinea's election history. Prior to commencing her candidature, Theresa worked as a field producer and research assistant for the DFAT funded Pawa Meri film project, a partnership between the Victoria University, Melbourne and the University of Goroka in Papua New Guinea. Jessica Collins is a Research Fellow in the Pacific Islands Program at the Lowy Institute. Her research interests cover foreign aid and development policy in Pacific Island nations (particularly for Pacific women), Pacific migration, remittance policy, and Myanmar's humanitarian and refugee challenges. Prior to joining the Institute, Jessica completed a PhD in Anthropology at the Queensland University of Technology. Jessica also holds a Master of Global Development from Griffith University. Her Honours research project, completed at the Queensland University of Technology, explored diasporic life for Samoans living in Brisbane, and her undergraduate studies at the University of Sydney focused on the anthropology of the Pacific.

When Australia's international border finally reopened in November, many of us started immediately planning and booking that much longed for trip overseas, feeling relieved that we'd finally be able to see loved ones and the world once again. But with the emergence of conflict in Ukraine, which is impacting many countries in Europe, airlines had to urgently start diverting planes away from the whole region, making your journey even more complicated. The Quicky speaks to a travel expert, and one of our own colleagues who is concerned about her impending trip to Greece to find out whether it is still safe to plan a holiday, or if international travel is back off the agenda for the foreseeable future. CREDITS  Host: Claire Murphy With thanks to:  Madeline Joannou - Head of Audio Production at Mamamia, and has booked tickets to travel to Greece later this year Kelly Spencer - General Manager of Flight Centre Australia Producer: Claire Murphy Executive Producer: Siobhán Moran-McFarlane Audio Producer: Ian Camilleri Subscribe to The Quicky at... https://mamamia.com.au/the-quicky/ CONTACT US Got a topic you'd like us to cover? Send us an email at thequicky@mamamia.com.au GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We're listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Just by reading or listening to our content, you're helping to fund girls in schools in some of the most disadvantaged countries in the world - through our partnership with Room to Read. We're currently funding 300 girls in school every day and our aim is to get to 1,000. Find out more about Mamamia at mamamia.com.au  Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Season D - Ep 9 - Chris/Casey - Buncha C3POs Scanning My Shit Dan and the RocnessMonster chat with Chris and Casey, the founders of DFAT! We talk about the American Flag, racism, immigrating, Nazis, then we get into the history of DFAT, the future, the horizon, and our F-You section gets a little crazy. **There was a portion of the show that was cut regarding Critical Race Theory. The reason is that there was confusion and no one had read up on the topic. We would like to discuss it more on our next episode. The brief discussion here was born out of not understanding the topic enough to keep it in the episode. It is important that we all understand something first before making comments and then adjusting based on new information. If you have any questions regarding this, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our show!** Ruben’s Kickstarter for The Illusion Witch right here: http://kck.st/3vHeGb4 Want stickers or car decals? Show off your CriticalMass pride? Reach out! Merch: whiteimprints.comCritical MassServing Western New York. Printing, Embroidery, Wrap, Decal, Sticker, Vinyl and Custom Needs! Thanks to our Sponsors!: Ridley’s Gaming Realm: https://www.facebook.com/groups/814549398917145 Off The Pages Travel: https://www.facebook.com/offthepagestravel Find our friend/artist Adam at: behance.net/APDonnelly Instagram: atothedamn Sounder music: bensound.com Contact us if you’re interested in advertising with the DFAT Network of Podcasts on DFAT Entertainment! Message us on our page or message DFAT Entertainment directly on Facebook. *The thoughts and views expressed on this show do not directly reflect the thoughts and views of our audiences, our guests, or our sponsors* Find us at: https://soundcloud.com/user-914449820 Apple Podcasts: criticalmass podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5f3fX75gFWL2IpBInS0oWz?si=MwMXGqXhTnKZuU2O3yXbkQ Facebook: @criticalmasspodcast69 Instagram: criticalmasspodcast Twitter: criticalmasspo1 Search DFAT Entertainment anywhere you podcast! #criticalmasspodcast #criticalmass #shutupandsitdown #dfat #dfatnetwork #dfatentertainment #blm #blacklivesmatter #stopthespread #getvaccinated #getvaccinatedtoday #happypridemonth

When we think about how to get fit, exercise is always the first thing that comes into our mind. But often, starting out is not the problem but the big problem is maintaining it.  In this episode of the Happy Hustle Podcast, I have Allie Hadley, the Founder of Hadvance Training and she shares tips on how to stick with your wellness routine to achieve the body that you desire. Allie is a Holistic Health Coach and a Certified Personal Trainer. She helps high-achieving women leverage success from the workplace and into their health and happiness.    She has recently launched S.H.R.E.D Into Spring, an 8-week group program that utilizes exercise, nutrition, and embodiment practices. S.H.R.E.D  stands for Serve, Health, Routine, Embody, and Discipline.  The program is exclusive for WOMEN who are ready to spring into their next season with a fresh outlook on what being  “Healthy”.  So you're thinking about starting a fitness program, you're only one step away from a healthier lifestyle. It's time to take ACTION and turn that action into RESULTS to embody your healthiest and happiest self. Send a DM at hadvance_with_allie on Instagram or email her at hadvancetraining@gmail.com. Start your journey now and have a better body to feel great! And if you want to boost your immune system, have healthier digestion, and burn fat. Get the hook up on  P3OM Probiotics up to 38% OFF, just click this link to redeem the offer www.P3OM.com/happy      IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER:  [00:06:12:13 ]   Getting clear with your goals [00:10:18:00]    2 Ways To Build Strong Foundation For Your Goals [00:27:13:11]    Are you ready to S.H.R.E.D Into Spring?  [00:38:59:09 ]   Happy Hustle Hacks (Health, Money,  Entrepreneurship, Spirituality ) [00:47:14:26]    Rapid-fire questions    What does happy Hustlin mean to you?  Allie says choosing a freedom fulfilled life. Finding happiness, finding joy, and all that comes to us.    1. Connect with Allie! Instagram Facebook   Youtube Email 2. Book a call with Allie: S.H.R.E.D Into Spring FREE Consultation Call   Connect with Cary! Check out his website  APPLY to JOIN the Happy Hustle Mastermind  Purchase The Journey: 10 Days To Become a Happy Hustler Online Course   About the Happy Hustle Podcast The Happy Hustle Podcast aims to educate, inspire, and entertain you, while reminding you to enjoy the journey, not just the destination, as you Happy Hustle for a life of passion and purpose. From successful entrepreneurs to spiritual masters, it brings on an array of powerful guests to help you transform your dreams into a reality.