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Australia – Head of Australia’s therapeutic goods regulator appointed Chair of international regulatory coalition

Source: Government of Australia

24 October 2025 – Professor Tony Lawler, Head of Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), has been elected Chair of ICMRA, the International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities.

Professor Lawler was elected to a 3-year term by ICMRA members at its Annual Meeting in Amsterdam on Thursday, 23 October 2025. He is joined by the incoming Vice-Chair from Health Canada, and the continuing Vice-Chair from Brazil’s ANVISA.

ICMRA is a collaboration of more than 40 international medicines regulators, including representation from all regions of the world, and the World Health Organization as an observer. TGA was one of ICMRA’s 8 founding members when it was established in 2013.

ICMRA plays an important role in safeguarding global public health, by sharing information, responding to current and emerging safety challenges, and encouraging greater collaboration and harmonisation among international medicines regulators.

ICMRA also supports global health priorities and crisis responses, including those undertaken for Ebola, Zika Virus, anti-microbial resistance and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am honoured to accept the role of Chair of ICMRA, and I recognise the responsibility that comes with such an important global role,” Professor Lawler said.

“ICMRA is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together. It is united by a shared mission – to ensure that patients everywhere have timely access to safe, effective and high-quality medical products.

“This is a mission that transcends borders. Whether regulatory innovation, international supply chains, public health emergencies, or emerging technologies, the challenges we face are global in nature and they require global solutions.

“As ICMRA Chair, I am committed to fostering collaboration, transparency and mutual learning to meet these challenges. With the unique expertise of ICMRA’s members, we will build on the strong foundations and shape a future in medicines regulation that is responsive, inclusive, and resilient,” Professor Lawler said.

Professor Lawler also paid tribute to his predecessor Ms Emer Cooke, Chair of ICMRA since November 2020. “Ms Cooke guided ICMRA through some of the most challenging times in recent history, with leadership marked by clarity, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to global cooperation. She has shaped ICMRA into the esteemed, collaborative network it is today,”

The TGA is part of the Australian Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

About Professor Tony Lawler

Prior to joining the TGA in June 2023, Professor Lawler was the Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Secretary of Clinical Quality, Regulation and Accreditation with the Tasmanian Department of Health. This role included providing leadership to health professionals, system-wide clinical governance oversight, and the regulation of private health service establishments.

Having studied medicine at the University of Tasmania, Professor Lawler has worked in the health system as a Specialist Emergency Physician, Specialist Medical Administrator, and senior health public servant for almost 30 years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Professor Lawler was the Tasmanian Health Service Emergency Operations Commander.

Professor Lawler has previously held positions as Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer, President of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine, a member of the Board of the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care and the Council of the National Health and Medical Research Council, and Deputy Head of the Tasmanian School of Medicine. 

Professor Lawler holds Professorial positions at the University of Tasmania, and the Australian National University.
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​​​Southeast Asia: ASEAN Summit must address deteriorating crisis in Myanmar and ongoing scam compound activity – Amnesty International

Source: AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

24 October 2025 – Southeast Asia: ASEAN Summit must address deteriorating crisis in Myanmar and ongoing scam compound activity

ASEAN member states must put human rights at the centre of regional discussions and decision-making, Amnesty International said as Southeast Asian leaders gather for the bloc’s 47th Summit in Malaysia this weekend.

“It is long past time for member states to act decisively to address the continually deteriorating crisis in Myanmar. Nearly five years since Myanmar’s military seized power, the situation in the country is an ever-worsening human rights nightmare,” said Montse Ferrer, Amnesty International’s Regional Research Director.

“People in Myanmar face multiple threats, including the armed conflict fueling internal displacement, and the junta’s ongoing campaign of repression, including unlawful air strikes on civilians. The military, and in some cases armed groups fighting against it, have carried out forced recruitment, arbitrary detention, torture and extrajudicial executions. Crumbling economic standards are also affecting rights to health, education and livelihoods.

“Though the vast majority of human rights violations are committed by the military, Amnesty International and others have also documented abuses by armed groups, such as the Arakan Army that has taken control of large parts of Rakhine State, leaving civilians, including Rakhine, Rohingya and other ethnic minorities trapped in a seemingly endless cycle of suffering.

“ASEAN’s approach to the situation in Myanmar has failed to prevent grave human rights violations let alone hold perpetrators accountable, with the humanitarian crisis in the country worse than ever, compounded by a devastating earthquake in March that killed thousands. ASEAN must urgently intensify efforts to exert maximum influence on the military and other armed groups to comply with international humanitarian law and free all arbitrarily detained prisoners.

“As the Myanmar junta prepares to hold elections, it is increasingly relying on repressive tactics and arresting anyone critical of the poll. ASEAN must take a clearer stand against these abuses or they will only increase. It must also revisit the failed five-point consensus that among other aims was intended to stop the violence in the country but has clearly fallen short.”

Amnesty International also remains deeply concerned about the ongoing scamming compound crisis in Southeast Asia – especially Cambodia, where thousands have been victims of human trafficking, forced labour and torture. Although organized criminal groups are running these compounds, the Cambodian state has failed to take adequate steps to stop the widespread human rights abuses despite being made aware of them for years.

“While ASEAN governments have previously acknowledged the seriousness of scamming compounds, they must put words into action by working to dismantle these criminal networks, protect victims, prosecute those responsible and ensure that host states like Cambodia take decisive action,” Montse Ferrer said.

In Indonesia and the Philippines, excessive use of force and arbitrary arrests by police to quell recent protests must also be effectively investigated.

“ASEAN governments should not rely on authoritarian tactics to silence dissent. They must instead respect the rights to freedom of expression and assembly, as well as international standards on the use of force.

“Failing to address serious human rights violations undermines regional stability and weakens ASEAN’s reputation. If it wishes to have any credibility on the international stage, ASEAN must put people before politics, take decisive action to address crises in the region and strengthen the regional bloc’s system of promotion and protection of human rights,” Montse Ferrer said.

Background

The ASEAN Summit is a semi-annual meeting of the leaders of the 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, to discuss issues of mutual interest.

The 47th ASEAN summit will take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 26 to 28 of October. Timor-Leste will join as the 11th member state of ASEAN on 26 October.

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Pacific, Solomon Islands – Lau-Mbaelelea Constituency brings fresh piped water supply to Goulu Community doorstep

Source: Government of the Solomon Islands

The Lau-Mbaelelea Constituency office, under the leadership of Honourable Ben Maenu’u, continues to support and implement transformative development initiatives within the constituency.

The latest achievement has resulted in more than 500 residents of the Goulu community in Ward 10 now having access to clean and reliable water right at their doorstep.

This development effectively ends years of hardship, during which villagers had to walk long distances into the bush to collect drinking water from nearby sources.

The community last had access to a functional water supply in the 1980s, funded by the Malaita Provincial Government. However, the water piping system did not extend fully to the community, it only reached halfway, requiring residents to walk a distance to fetch water.

Over time, the system broke down, forcing villagers once again to walk further through the bush tracks to access water from alternative sources.

With the new water supply now reaching the Goulu community doorstep, decades of difficulties in accessing clean and reliable water, dating back to the 1950s have come to an end.

This milestone marks the beginning of a new era for children, women, and girls, who previously had to walk considerable distance and often compromise their security and pose vulnerability to potential abuse and harassments by other people in the process of collecting water.

The project was completed on October 15, bringing significant relief to villagers, including Goulu Primary School.

The Constituency Office funded the project with $250,000 from its 2024 Constituency Development Funds (CDF) allocation, provided by the national government through the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD).

Speaking on behalf of the Goulu community, Chief Sammy Nokea expressed profound gratitude to the leadership of Honourable Ben Maenu’u, his constituency office, and the national government through MRD for recognizing one of their greatest and most urgent needs.

He said, “Since the 1950s, we have struggled for water. In the 1980s, piping stopped halfway, forcing us to walk long distances to fetch water. Honourable Maenu’u has fulfilled his promise by completing our water supply. He is a man of today.

“This project will benefit not only a few constituents but all constituents of Lau-Mbaelelea, regardless of political support. In the past, our prior parliamentary leaders promised to support our water project, but they did not keep or fulfill their promises. So, thank you, Hon. Ben, for your heart for us and for keeping your word,” Chief Nokea shared.

The residents could not hide their joy; they were thrilled just by turning on the taps outside their houses.

“No more long walks through the bush to collect water. This is a huge relief for our women, girls, and children. This water supply initiative saves time and reduces the burden, especially for our women, young girls, and children who are always responsible for collecting water,” one resident stated while expressing the community's relief.

Meanwhile, Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Moses Lugitau said the initiative is part of the Constituency Office’s Development Plan (CDP) and ongoing commitment to supporting community projects like water and sanitation, schools, churches, clinics, as well as other projects for families.

CDO Lugitau, on behalf of the constituency office, expressed profound gratitude to Honourable Maenu’u for his leadership, the Goulu community, constituents, and all stakeholders for their collaborative efforts in accomplishing the project.

He said this milestone marks a significant step forward for community development and improved livelihoods of the people.

Mr. Lugitau affirmed that it is the ongoing commitment of the constituency office under the leadership of Hon. Maenu’u to support initiatives that will benefit every constituent of Lau-Mbaelelea towards building a better future for everyone.

The project aligns well with the national government’s National Development Strategy 2016-2035 and fulfills Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which aims to ensure access to water and sanitation for all.

CDF is a national program of the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) administered by MRD and is implemented through the 50 constituencies in the country purposely to improve the social and economic livelihoods of all Solomon Islanders.

The Ministry of Rural Development’s vision is to ensure all Solomon Islanders are empowered for self-sufficiency, improved livelihoods, and sustainable development.

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Chemonics Analysis – S&P Rates Moldova ‘BB-/B’ with Stable Outlook, Citing Reform Commitment, Fiscal Prudence, and Gradual Economic Recovery

Source: Chemonics International Inc

On 10 October 2025, S&P Global Ratings assigned the Republic of Moldova its first long- and short-term sovereign credit ratings of BB-/B, with a stable outlook and an expectation for growth acceleration and policy continuity. 

This inaugural appraisal was made possible through coordinated efforts between the Invest Moldova Agency, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization, whose joint engagement ensured the provision of comprehensive macroeconomic data and reform progress assessments required by S&P

This rating positions Moldova among other European economies in the BB- range, such as Armenia, Albania, North Macedonia — countries that, like Moldova, are pursuing structural reforms and closer integration with the European Union while maintaining moderate levels of public debt and steady growth prospects.

This rating positions Moldova just below investment grade, indicating appreciable credit risk while maintaining a moderate buffer above default territory under S&P's global criteria.

Moldova's S&P rating reflects a steadily improving economic and fiscal profile. Following a period of stagnation, growth is projected to recover to 1.2 % in 2025 and 2.2 % in 2026, supported by stronger agricultural performance, renewed investment, and reforms advancing under the EU's €1.9 billion Growth Plan. Public debt remains moderate — around 35 % of GDP by end-2025 — and is largely composed of long-term, concessional loans from official creditors, which helps maintain manageable financing needs.

The stable outlook underscores S&P's confidence in Moldova's continued reform progress and commitment to fiscal discipline. Ongoing alignment with EU standards, the prudent implementation of the Growth Plan, and active cooperation with institutions such as the IMF and World Bank are expected to enhance resilience and sustain the country's upward trajectory. As reforms deepen and the business climate strengthens, Moldova is increasingly positioned to attract higher-value investments, expand its export base, and converge toward the performance of European economies.

Standard & Poor's (S&P), a U.S.-based financial analytics and credit rating agency, is one of the “Big Three” global rating institutions alongside Fitch Ratings and Moody's Ratings. Its sovereign ratings serve as a key benchmark for global investors, shaping perceptions of a country's economic stability, access to international capital, and borrowing costs.

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Global Bodies – Global parliamentarians champion humanitarian action in the birthplace of the Geneva Conventions – IPU

 Source: Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

Geneva, Switzerland, 23 October 2025 – The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has concluded its 151st IPU Assembly, with nearly 1,150 delegates, including over 600 members of parliament, from 132 countries in attendance. Notably, women MPs comprised nearly 37% of the parliamentarians at the Assembly.

Meeting under the theme of parliamentary support for humanitarian action, the five-day Assembly took place in Geneva, the birthplace of the 1949 Geneva Conventions – the international framework that ensures legal protections for people during armed conflict.

Global legislators from around the world adopted the Geneva Declaration on Upholding humanitarian norms and supporting humanitarian action in times of crisis.

The Declaration comes against a backdrop of more than 130 ongoing conflicts around the world, leaving over 310 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

The Declaration underlines that the Geneva Conventions, the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention and other instruments of international humanitarian law (IHL), have saved millions of lives and limited the impact of armed conflicts on citizens when enforced and respected.

Parliamentarians are called upon to reinforce and champion humanitarian action by working to ratify IHL treaties, integrate them into national legislation, allocate financial resources to aid agencies, facilitate training of armed forces and foster partnerships across the global humanitarian ecosystem – including the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and relevant UN agencies. Most importantly, parliamentarians are called upon to keep humanitarian considerations at the heart of the decisions they take, especially those related to security.

Other resolutions and outcomes

The Assembly also passed a resolution on Recognizing and supporting the victims of illegal international adoption and taking measures to prevent this practice.

The resolution strongly condemns illegal intercountry adoptions as violations of children’s rights and urges all States and parliaments to classify such acts as forms of human trafficking.

The IPU Assembly further passed an emergency item resolution on Parliamentary action against transnational organized crime, cybercrime and hybrid threats to democracy and human security – which aims to bolster the global parliamentary response to growing threats that challenge international peace, democratic governance and the rule of law.

Parliamentary diplomacy intensifies

Throughout the Assembly, IPU bodies dedicated to peace and security convened – including the Task Force for peaceful resolution of the war in Ukraine and the Committee on Middle East Questions – to seek new avenues to foster peace through parliamentary dialogue.

Additional meetings focused on building bridges between countries currently experiencing tensions, such as Armenia and Azerbaijan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda.

Quotes:

Director-General of the ICRC, Pierre Krähenbühl, opening the Assembly, said: “Dehumanization strips people of dignity in words, policy and practice, and acts as an enabler: by eroding empathy and normalizing suffering, it lowers political and legal barriers to permissive policies, weakens demands for accountability, and makes legal backsliding more politically tolerable. Norms like IHL are bulwarks against that slide, but they can be reimagined, weakened or ignored if dehumanizing narratives become mainstream. That is where parliaments must act.”

IPU Vice-President and President of the 151st IPU Assembly, Gabriela Morawska-Stanecka, said: “Humanitarian norms act as a shield for those who bear no arms: but their reach goes further. These norms also place restrictions on the means and methods of warfare. Over time, humanity has come to recognize that there are limits and that certain weapons and tactics are just too inhumane to be tolerated and should be consigned to history, never to be repeated.”

Secretary General of the IPU, Martin Chungong, said: “Parliamentarians must advocate and legislate for humanitarian action, providing aid to those most affected by armed conflict: saving lives, alleviating suffering and restoring human dignity. In short, humanitarian action appeals to our common humanity: it provides us with a route to overcome division, violence and mistrust, and to help those caught in the crossfire to survive and continue their lives in safety and dignity.”

The IPU Assembly goes east

The 152nd Assembly will take place from 15 to 19 April 2025 in Istanbul, hosted by the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye.

About IPU

The IPU is the global organization of national parliaments. It was founded in 1889 as the first multilateral political organization in the world, encouraging cooperation and dialogue between all nations. Today, the IPU comprises 183 national Member Parliaments and 15 regional parliamentary bodies. It promotes peace, democracy and sustainable development. It helps parliaments become stronger, younger, greener and more gender-balanced. It also defends the human rights of parliamentarians through a dedicated committee made up of MPs from around the world.
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Australia – Investors turn to cash amid market volatility – CBA

Source: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)

Investors turn to cash amid market volatility. Younger investors and self-managed super funds (SMSFs) driving the trend.

24 October 2025 – Younger investors and SMSFs are increasingly allocating more of their investments to high yield cash accounts amid market volatility.

Between 2023 and 2025, investor allocations to term deposits and high-yield savings rose from 9 per cent to 11 per cent, according to Investment Trends, as newer investors are using cash as a buffer, while SMSFs prioritise stability and liquidity . This trend is particularly prevalent among younger investors between 18-24, where allocations rose from 14 per cent to 19 per cent.

This shift is also evident in CommSec’s Commonwealth Direct Investment Account (CDIA), which has seen balances grow 14 per cent since mid-2024 as investors seek flexibility to act quickly when markets change.

CommSec has responded to the trend by launching CommSec Notice Investor, a high-interest savings account to help Australians earn more on surplus cash while preserving the flexibility to move in and out of markets.

While the CDIA serves as the “working float” for trades, CommSec Notice Investor is designed to make surplus funds work harder.

“For investors, cash is no longer a passive parking spot – it’s part of their portfolio strategy. CommSec Notice Investor will empower our customers to take a more strategic approach to cash management alongside the CDIA – combining competitive returns with the convenience of our integrated digital platforms,” said James Fowle, EGM, CommSec.

CommSec Notice Investor offers a competitive, variable interest rate with no balance restrictions, calculated daily and paid monthly.

Key features of CommSec Notice Investor

  • Flexible notice periods: Choose between 2-day or 7-day notice periods to suit your investment needs.
  • Uncapped investment potential: No balance restrictions, allowing customers to boost savings for as long as funds remain in the account.
  • Integrated digital experience: Manage notices and account balances across CommSec and CommBank platforms, with real-time portfolio views and breakdowns.
  • No ongoing fees: Free to open and maintain, with transparent terms and conditions available online.
  • Expanded eligibility: Available to retail and business banking customers, including SMSFs, aged 18+, Australian residents, and holders of an active CDIA.

The launch of the CommSec Notice Investor account builds on a number of recent initiatives from CommSec to enhance the customer experience, including:

  • A new International Order Pad: Expanding investment opportunities by offering customers access to 60 per cent of the world's stocks through the CommSec website.
  • AI-generated summaries: Helping customers stay informed with less effort by delivering AI-generated summaries for ASX company announcements in the CommSec app.
  • Morningstar premium research: Providing the opportunity to receive timely insights and research from analysts covering over 2,000 Australian and US stocks.

“As Australia’s leading online broker, we’re committed to leveraging the latest technologies and delivering outstanding customer experiences that empower more Australians to build their wealth. The newest enhancements to the CommSec platform are a testament to that ongoing commitment,” said James Fowle.

Existing CommSec CDIA customers can open a CommSec Notice Investor account online in minutes. For more information, visit www.commsec.com.au/noticeinvestor.

Things you should know

The CommSec Notice Investor and Commonwealth Direct Investment Account (CDIA) are issued by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL 234945. These products are administered by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814 (CommSec), a wholly owned but non-guaranteed subsidiary of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. CommSec is a Market Participant of ASX Limited and Cboe Australia Pty Limited, a Clearing Participant of ASX Clear Pty Limited and a Settlement Participant of ASX Settlement Pty Limited.

You can view the CommSec Notice Investor Terms and Conditions and Financial Services Guide on the CommSec website, and should consider them before making any decision about these products and services.

You can view the CommBank Transaction Savings and Investment Account (CDIA) on the CommBank website, and should consider them before making any decision about these products and services.

The CommSec Notice Investor and CDIA TMD’s can be located on the CommBank website.

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Energy Sector – Equinor’s third quarter 2025 safety results

Source: Equinor

22 October 2025 – In September, a man lost his life in a tragic accident during a lifting operation at Equinor’s Mongstad refinery.

“The accident and the tragic outcome have had a deep impact on us. A colleague lost his life working for Equinor, and this is a reminder of the importance of the safety work we do alongside our suppliers,” says Jannicke Nilsson, executive vice president for safety, security and sustainability.

The deceased was contracted to the company Crane Norway, which provides crane and lifting services at Mongstad.

“We are investigating the accident along with the supplier to ensure that lessons are learned. We aim to continue and strengthen our long-term and systematic cooperation with the suppliers and other operating companies to improve safety,” Nilsson says.

Reduction in the number of personal injuries and serious incidents

Equinor's safety statistics reflect an overall, positive long-term trend.

At the end of the third quarter of 2025, the serious incident frequency per million hours worked (SIF) was 0.23, down from 0.27 in the second quarter. Serious personal injuries are also included in the serious incident statistics.

As of the third quarter, the total recordable injury frequency per million hours worked (TRIF) is 2.1 for the last 12 months, down from 2.2 at the end of the second quarter.

Four oil and gas leaks were recorded over the last 12 months, the lowest ever. These leaks are classified according to the degree of severity in relation to the discharge rate.

In March 2025, Equinor experienced a well control incident on a rig associated with the Bacalhau field off the coast of Brazil. The incident has subsequently been re-classified as serious.

There were no incidents with major accident potential in the third quarter.

Preventive work

Through the “Always Safe” annual wheel, Equinor works with operating companies and suppliers to enhance the understanding of factors that prevent safe work. The topic in the fourth quarter will focus on health and the working environment.

Equinor is continuing its work to prevent major accidents through extra efforts within management training and e-learning courses that are also available to the company's suppliers.

* As of the first quarter of 2025, SIF is being reported with two decimals to better reflect minor changes in the frequency.

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DRC: Cholera epidemic intensifies across the country – MSF

Source: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF)

22 October 2025. Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is sounding the alarm on the intensifying cholera epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). 

The epidemic is one of the worst seen in the last ten years. In the past nine months, more than 58,000 suspected cases have been recorded, according to data from the Ministry of Health. 
Faced with this rapid spread, an immediate mobilisation of national authorities, humanitarian agencies and international partners is essential to contain the spread of the disease.

Twenty of the country's 26 provinces are now affected. From January to mid-October, more than 1,700 deaths have been recorded, with a fatality rate exceeding 3 per cent. The situation continues to worsen, spreading to new health zones, including provinces that were previously not endemic for cholera. Floods, conflicts, displacement as well as inadequate sanitation and water supply systems have contributed to fuelling widespread epidemics like cholera. As the rainy season approaches, the situation is likely to deteriorate, further increasing the risk of disease transmission and contamination.

“The rapid spread of the epidemic across the country this year is of particular concern to us, especially during the rainy season,” says Doctor Jean-Gilbert Ndong, MSF medical coordinator in DRC. “At this critical stage, only a general mobilisation will make it possible to contain the disease and slow down the epidemic outbreaks.”

Since January 2025, MSF has stepped up its response to the disease in several provinces of the country, including North and South Kivu, Maniema, Sankuru, Tshopo, Equateur, Kinshasa, Mai-Ndombe, Haut-Katanga and Tanganyika. Teams remain mobilised in the most affected areas, such as Fizi (South Kivu) and Kongakonga (Tshopo). MSF has carried out 16 emergency interventions in support of the Ministry of Health, treating more than 35 800 patients and vaccinating more than 22,000 people against the disease.

However the cholera response faces major obstacles, including insufficient funding by the Congolese government, a limited presence of humanitarian agencies and lack of coordination in the emergency response mechanism. At the same time, weak surveillance and case identification systems, a lack of medical personnel and supplies, and limited vaccine distributions further compromise the implementation of a rapid, effective and sustainable response.

“Wherever our teams are working, the situation is alarming: existing structures are not equipped to deal with cholera, and there is a shortage of medical supplies and vaccines,” says Ton Berg, MSF program manager in South Kivu. “We are working with local health ministry staff to try to contain the disease, but the scale of the crisis requires urgent mobilisation of all partners, even in remote areas. The Congolese government and humanitarian agencies must strengthen financial and medical resources, particularly the distribution and delivery of vaccines, as well as the emergency response mechanism to support the fight against cholera.”

Cholera is a highly contagious bacterial infection. Although it is treatable and preventable, without proper care it can quickly become fatal. Poor hygiene conditions, insufficient access to clean water and lack of sanitation can all contribute to the disease’s spread. This poses a particular challenge in densely populated areas, especially in large cities such as Kinshasa and in rural areas with high concentrations of people who are internally displaced.

MSF teams have had to step up their efforts to fill the gaps left by the weak emergency response mechanisms of the health authorities and other agencies. To slow the spread of the disease, MSF is supporting the Ministry of Health to deliver medical care in specialised treatment centres, training community health workers, setting up chlorination points, and strengthening water and sanitation systems.

Access to cholera patients is hampered by significant challenges: logistical difficulties, security risks, administrative barriers and supply issues. For example, the closure of Bukavu and Goma airports for months has hampered the main routes for transporting supplies to the east of the country. In the Fizi health zone in South Kivu, the presence of humanitarian partners remains limited and virtually none are specifically involved in the cholera response.

“Persistent insecurity, marked by clashes between armed groups along the main roads, hinders movement and delays the delivery of assistance, forcing teams to make long detours to avoid risky areas,” says Berg.

Access to healthcare is also a huge challenge for communities. Long distances, lack of transport and security concerns make it difficult to reach medical facilities. Once there, these centres are often under-equipped and unable to meet people’s basic needs, leaving the communities most at-risk without essential care.

Cholera must be placed at the top of the national agenda as a major threat to public health in DRC. MSF calls for coordinated action to ensure the rapid provision of medical care, including the availability of vaccines, unhindered access and sustainable investment in access to safe drinking water and sanitation.

MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation.  MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. Every year more than 120 Australians and New Zealanders go on assignment with Médecins Sans Frontières  working as: doctors, midwives, psychologists, laboratory technicians, human resource/finance coordinators, pharmacists, mental health specialists and logisticians. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  

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Australia – CBA expands Career Comeback Program to regional Australia

Source: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)

New roles open for experienced professionals returning to work, with opportunities across regional ACT, QLD, NSW, NT, SA, TAS, VIC and WA.

22 October 2025 – Commonwealth Bank has expanded its Career Comeback Program nationally, opening new opportunities for professionals returning to the workforce after extended career breaks.

The program offers permanent roles and a structured 12-week support program, including onboarding, career coaching, mentoring, and flexible work arrangements – all designed to help participants transition back into meaningful careers. 

Program growth and success 

Launched in 2021 within CBA’s Institutional Banking & Markets (IB&M) division, the program has since grown to include yearly intakes of roles across Risk, Financial Crime, and Financial Services – and has achieved an impressive 92 per cent retention rate. 

Participants’ career breaks range from a few years to more than two decades. In 2021, Bronwyn Ayres-Munro joined the Non-Financial Risk and Conduct team after 21 years away, in a job-share arrangement with Margot Henville, who had also paused her corporate career for nearly 20 years. 

“The program gave me the confidence and direction I needed after taking a break,” says Henville. “It reassured me that my skills and experiences were valued. From my first day, I felt welcomed and supported. The best part was sharing the journey with others who understood the challenges of returning to work.” 

For alumni like Kristen Miller, now Director of Corporate Governance, the program has been transformative. 

“Returning to work after 10 years away was daunting, but the program recognised the whole person, not just a résumé. I joined as an Associate Director and am now a Director – proof that a strong comeback is absolutely possible.” 

Expanding to Regional Australia

Applications for the next intake opened this week (October 20), with CommBank offering up to 18 new roles across Institutional Banking and, for the first time, Retail and Business Banking, including CBA’s Regional and Agribusiness Banking (RAB) division.  

“Our people are central to our success and having a diverse and inclusive team means tapping into the strength and expertise of our full workforce to deliver greater value to our clients. Our Career Comeback program supports professionals with a wealth of experience and unique perspectives to return to work. As the program continues to expand across the organisation, I hope to see even more experienced professionals take on a rewarding career with CBA,” said Sinead Taylor, Group Executive Institutional Banking and Markets at CBA. 

Kylie Allen, Executive General Manager of Regional and Agribusiness Banking at CBA, says she’s excited to welcome the first participants to her division. 

“This marks an important step for our business. Regional and Agribusiness Banking is all about relationships, and Career Comeback candidates bring valuable experience and community connection. We’re proud to support professionals ready to relaunch their careers and contribute to the local business community through their impactful roles at CommBank.

“We’re open to candidates with strong commercial acumen, exceptional customer service and deep industry expertise – such as agribusiness, property or commercial – even if they haven’t previously worked as bankers. While full-time roles are preferred, we offer flexibility for the right candidate.

“As we continue to roll out the initiative nationally, its current success rate shows that with the right support, returning to work after a career break doesn’t have to be a setback – it can be a meaningful and empowering fresh start.”

Suzanne Jaques’ Career Comeback

Suzanne Jaques began her career as a Business Analyst with CBA in 2004, just two years after graduating from university. After gaining valuable experience, she decided to broaden her horizons and moved to the UK, where she worked for a decade. When Suzanne and her husband decided to start a family, they made the choice to leave their roles in London and return to Australia. Initially, Suzanne planned to take a five-year break until her son started school. However, the pandemic extended that break to ten years as she focused on raising her family.

When Suzanne decided to return to work, she quickly realised how challenging it was after such a long break. Competing against candidates with recent experience, she struggled to gain traction with recruiters and even considered going back to university to retrain. Everything changed when she discovered CBA’s Career Comeback Program. “I wasn’t a perfect fit, but I had the skills and hoped I’d at least get an interview. Luckily, I did – and it’s been an amazing opportunity,” Suzanne said.

“The options out there often mean taking a step backwards. This CBA opportunity lets you return where you left off, with the program’s support behind you. It gives you the confidence to step right back in. So it’s fantastic.”

Suzanne is now in CommBank's IB&M team, in a role that matches her experience, proving that with the right support, a career break doesn’t have to mean starting over.

Applications Now Open

CommBank is currently recruiting for a range of roles as part of the expanded program, including:

Associate Director roles across institutional sales, lending, trade finance, and debt markets and products
Private banker roles in Retail Banking
Agribusiness Bankers in the Regional & Agribusiness (RAB) team

In addition to seeking applicants from metropolitan centres across the country, the RAB team is looking for experienced bankers based in, or willing to relocate to: 

  • Australian Capital Territory – Canberra; 
  • New South Wales – Albury Wodonga, Central Coast, Gosford, Lismore, Newcastle, Orange, Port Macquarie, Tamworth, Wagga Wagga;  
  • Northern Territory – Darwin; 
  • Queensland – Cairns, Rockhampton, Toowoomba, Townsville; 
  • South Australia – Mount Barker, Mount Gambier; 
  • Tasmania – Hobart; 
  • Victoria – Albury Wodonga, Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Warragul; and 
  • Western Australia – Karratha. 

Applications close on Monday 10 November. Successful candidates will commence on Monday 23 February 2026. 

For more information on the CommBank Career Comeback Program, visit: commbank.com.au/careercomeback 

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US – Ranking Member Shaheen, Chairman Risch Welcome Prime Minster Albanese to the U.S. Capitol

Source: United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Jim Risch (R-ID), Ranking Member and Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the statement below following their meeting with the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese.

“It was our pleasure to welcome Prime Minister Albanese to the Capitol today. Australia has long been a true friend of the United States, and it is our sincere hope that our relationship only continues to grow, most notably with the continuation of the Australia-United Kingdom-United States (AUKUS) agreement and the recently announced critical minerals deal.

“Together, we will push back against adversaries like China that threaten us and our allies in the Indo-Pacific. We will work to ensure our critical mineral supply chains are free from Chinese coercion. And we will continue to bolster our security and economic cooperation for the benefit of both the Australian and American people.”