Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: International Campaign to Free Marwan Barghouti

Over two hundred international cultural figures, including Margaret Atwood, Sir Ian McKellen, Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Ruffalo, Sting, Paul Simon, Stephen Fry, Delia Smith, Ai Wei Wei, Javier Bardem, Brian Eno, Annie Lennox, Sir Richard Branson and Zadie Smith have signed an open letter calling for the release of Marwan Barghouti, widely described as the “Mandela of Palestine”

The signatories, spanning film, music, literature and sport, are urging the United Nations and governments around the world to pressure the Israeli government to free Marwan, 66, who has spent 23 years in prison following what legal experts describe as a flawed trial. Marwan, an elected parliamentarian at the time of his arrest, remains the most popular Palestinian leader, consistently topping polls as the people's choice to lead.

The campaign echoes the cultural movement that was central to securing the freedom of Nelson Mandela and ending apartheid in South Africa. As Mandela himself said in 2002, “what is happening to Barghouti is the same as what happened to me”. This open letter is the start of a wider public effort organised by the International Campaign to Free Marwan with the ultimate aim of helping to secure long-lasting peace in the region.

British musician Brian Eno said: “History shows us that cultural voices can shift the course of politics. Just as global solidarity helped free Nelson Mandela, we all have the power to accelerate the day that Marwan Barghouti walks free. His release would mark a turning point in this long struggle and bring much-needed hope to all of us.”

Selma Dabbagh, author and lawyer said: “Marwan Barghouti's trial was widely recognised as a sham. The body that represents parliaments around the world – the Inter-Parliamentary Union – undertook their own assessment and concluded it was deeply flawed. Marwan's release would be a critical step in allowing Palestinians to determine their own leadership, whatever shape that may take.”

The appeal comes following the launch of the new International Campaign to Free Marwan Barghouti on 29 November 2025, as concerns mount over Barghouti's treatment in prison. Israeli cabinet member Itmar Ben-Gvir filmed himself in August taunting a gaunt-looking Barghouti in his prison cell, and in the weeks following the visit, Barghouti was beaten unconscious by guards during a prison transfer.

Organisers of the letter say the current Israeli government led by Benjamin Netanyahu refuses to consider releasing Marwan because of his ability to unify the Palestinian people and his capability to achieve lasting peace.

NOTES

The full statement reads: “We express our grave concern at the continuing imprisonment of Marwan Barghouti, his violent mistreatment and denial of legal rights whilst imprisoned. We call upon the United Nations and the governments of the world to actively seek the release of Marwan Barghouti from Israeli prison.”

Signatories include:

Angela Davis, Annie Ernaux, Annie Lennox, Arundhati Roy, Bassem Youssef, Bella Freud, Benedict Cumberbatch, Bobby Gillespie, Brian Cox, Brian Eno, Carice van Houten, Cynthia Nixon, David Byrne, Delia Smith, Eric Cantona, Eyal Weizman, Fontaines D.C., Gabor Maté, Gary Lineker, Jarvis Cocker, Javier Bardem, Josh O'Connor, Julie Christie, Justine Triet, Karl Ove Knausgaard, Mabel, Margaret Atwood, Mark Ruffalo, Massive Attack, Michael Stipe, Nan Goldin, Naomi Klein, Neneh Cherry, Olga Tokarczuk, Paul Simon, Pedro Almodovar, Peter Gabriel, Philip Pullman, Rebecca Solnit, Riz Ahmed, Rob Delaney, Robert Macfarlane, Sally Rooney, Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Jonathan Pryce, Sir Richard Branson, Stephen Fry, Sting, Susan Sarandon, Tilda Swinton, William Dalrymple, Zadie Smith

A full list of the 200+ names is available here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-V7nl_oDgZY4JzfgGh289SB8hSl_swG9XeRbqlmtoyc/edit?gid=0#gid=0

Further quotes

“I call for the immediate release of Marwan Barghouti, who has been imprisoned by Israel for 23 years in scandalous conditions. He embodies the possibility of peace which Netenyahu refuses, determined as he is to continue with the expansion of settlements in the West Bank.” – Annie Ernaux

“Palestine's most popular leader has suffered 23 years of imprisonment and solitary confinement, severe torture and starvation conditions in an Israeli jail. Everyone that believes in freedom and dignity for the Palestinian people should join in the call for his immediate release. ”  – Brian Cox

International Campaign to Free Marwan Barghouti
#FreeMarwan
freemarwan.org

Source: University of East Anglia (UEA)

New research shows how the combination of extreme climate events, sea-level rise and land subsidence could create larger and deeper floods in coastal cities in future.
 
The study focused on Shanghai, in China, which is threatened with flooding by large and strong typhoons, or tropical storms, producing storm surge and waves.
 
When these events coincide with other causes of flooding, such as high water flows in the Yangtze River, they can combine to create even more catastrophic floods, as happened with Typhoon Winnie in 1997.
 
The study was carried out by researchers from the University of East Anglia (UEA), Shanghai Normal University and the University of Southampton, together with other institutions in China, the United States and the Netherlands.
 
It assessed all the causes of flooding in Shanghai and found that if considering climate, sea-level rise and land subsidence, by 2100 the floods of Shanghai could expand in size by up to 80 per cent and be much deeper.
 
The authors say that to avoid disaster a major adaptation effort is required, which will almost certainly include raising defences and constructing mobile flood barriers, like those seen at the Thames Barrier in London.
 
However, they warn there is also the risk of “catastrophic failure” of defences due to rising water levels, especially due to the combination of subsidence, sea-level rise and higher surges during typhoons, as occurred in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
 
They say this danger is not fully appreciated and must be considered in adaptation in Shanghai and other deltaic cities, with a layered rather than single line of defence needed.
 
The study, published today in the journal One Earth, is the first comprehensive analysis of flooding in a delta city.
 
“These findings have wider implications for all coastal cities and especially those built on deltas like Shanghai,” said lead UK author Prof Robert Nicholls, of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research at UEA and University of Southampton. “Such analyses are critical to anticipate and support the significant adaptation needs in these cities.”
 
Low-lying deltas host some of the world's fastest-growing cities and vital economic centres, but they are increasingly vulnerable to flooding from tropical and extratropical cyclones.
 
Floods are driven by combinations of tide, storm surge, wave, river flows and rain. The most extreme floods occur due to the simultaneous combination of different sources of flood, such as a high river flow and a storm at the same time.
 
“The likelihood and magnitude of floods are often underestimated as these combined floods are not considered,” said Prof Nicholls. “Further climate change and land subsidence – all deltas sink – is increasing the likelihood of flooding. Therefore, the threat is growing in all coastal cities and especially delta cities where all these issues occur.”
 
The team used an atmosphere, ocean, and coast model (AOCM) of the Shanghai region that for the first time includes all the flood drivers. Taking 10 historic typhoon events that produced significant floods, they simulated how they will change over the next 75 years to 2100, with different amounts of climate change and land subsidence.
 
Lead author Prof Min Zhang, of Shanghai Normal University, said: “We find that the area flooded in a typhoon by an extreme, one in 200-year event – an event that should be considered in disaster risk management and flood planning – could increase by up to 80 percent in 2100”.
 
“The response to this challenge will almost certainly be raising of defences as Shanghai and most delta cities are already defended. However, rising water levels, especially due to the combination of subsidence, sea-level rise and higher surges during typhoons raise the prospect of catastrophic failure and large, deep floods if the defences fail.”
 
Prof Nicholls added: “This so-called 'polder effect' when defences fail is not fully appreciated. It must be carefully considered in adaptation planning in Shanghai and other deltaic cities. Rather than depending on a single line of defences, layered defence is needed to make these cities more resilient today and into the future.”
 
'Growing Compound Flood Risk Driven by Both Climate Change and Land Subsidence Challenges Flood Risk Reduction in Major Delta Cities', is published in One Earth on December 3.

NOTES

A copy of the paper is available on this Dropbox link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/d4i2k6cwsagt9gehjnm5i/AO97VnHsWRmlxVRAYGIK6Mo?rlkey=nesjshphrocfj60ygm3ii0ywa&st=atsp9hs8&dl=0  

The University of East Anglia (UEA) is a UK Top 25 university for research quality (Times Higher Education Rankings 2026) and UK 26th in the Complete University Guide. It also ranks in the World Top 60 (QS World Rankings for Sustainability 2025) and the World Top 20 for reduced inequalities and World Top 200 (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025). Known for its world-leading research and good student experience, its 360-acre campus has won nine Green Flag awards in a row for its high environmental standards. The University is a leading member of Norwich Research Park, one of Europe's biggest concentrations of researchers in the fields of environment, health and plant science. www.uea.ac.uk.  

Prof Robert Nicholls was the Director of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research from 2019 to 2024 and is currently Professor of Climate Adaptation. https://research-portal.uea.ac.uk/en/persons/robert-nicholls/  

Dr Min Zhang is an associate professor at Shanghai Normal University. In 2024, he served as a visiting scholar at the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, University of East Anglia, when much of the work on the paper was completed.  https://tyndall.ac.uk/people/zhang-min/

Source: Christian Solidarity International (CSI)

Williams explores how, in situations of persecution, barriers between Christians “dissolve”.

Christian Solidarity International (CSI) released today a new essay by Dr. Rowan Williams, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, as part of its ongoing international series, “Persecution and the unity of believers.”

Responding to the series' inaugural essay by Cardinal Koch, Dr. Williams explores how the “gift” of martyrdom challenges Christians to overcome divisions between different church bodies.

Williams points to the recently translated journal of Nicolae Steinhardt, a Romanian intellectual who converted to Orthodox Christianity while imprisoned by the communist regime. While in prison, he was baptized, in a sacrament witnessed by Catholic and Protestant priests.

“Clearly,” Williams writes, “in extreme situations, some barriers dissolve almost without question; mutual recognition is made simple if all are paying the same price for their commitment to the new life in Christ.”

Williams also insists that persecution must be named and contested, “for the sake of justice for all.” He criticizes the “fantasy” believed in some circles, “that Christianity is intrinsically a tool of colonialism, capitalism, [or] American hegemony.”

“It is especially dispiriting to have to explain this to government ministers, or even to some religious leaders,” he comments.

As the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury (2002–2012), Dr. Rowan Williams led the 100-million-member Anglican Communion for a decade. A distinguished scholar who has served as the Lady Margaret Professor of Divinity at Oxford and Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge, Williams is widely recognized as one of the world's leading theologians.

The essay series was initiated by CSI International President Dr. John Eibner to address the urgent reality of anti-Christian persecution in today's world. Eibner described the initiative in his introductory essay as a project “to stimulate deeper conversation about the 'ecumenism of the martyrs' among Christians of all traditions.” (ref. https://www.csi-schweiz.ch/app/uploads/sites/13/2025/11/Eibner-Introduction-final.pdf )

“Even if Christians today are divided by confession, politics, economics, and history, they can find unity by focusing on those who have been martyred because of their common faith,” wrote Eibner. “I would encourage Christians from all traditions to read this series not just as a theological exercise for the mind, but also as a call to action.”

The series will continue in the coming months with contributions from Archbishop Angaelos, the Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London.

He will be followed by Professor Yusuf Turaki, a renowned Nigerian theologian who has documented the systematic persecution of Christians in northern Nigeria.

The full text of Dr. Rowan Williams' essay is available now on the CSI international website.

Christian Solidarity International (CSI) is a Christian human rights organization promoting religious liberty and human dignity.

Source: Invest Moldova

Chișinău, Republic of Moldova – December 2025. The Government of the Republic of Moldova's Regional State Aid Scheme for Industrial Investments, launched in January 2025, is rapidly positioning the country as one of the most competitive destinations for strategic industrial capital in Eastern Europe. Designed under the National Industrialization Plan 2024–2028, the scheme offers substantial financial incentives to both local and foreign investors, aiming to accelerate Moldova's industrial modernization and integrate the country deeper into European and global value chains.

Generous Incentives for Foreign Enterprises

Foreign companies investing in Moldova are fully eligible to access the scheme. Depending on company size and project location, investors can receive up to 60% of eligible investment costs for large enterprises and up to 75% for small businesses.
 
Investment support is structured across two components:

25% direct grant, enabling immediate liquidity for capital expenditure;
75% income tax exemption, ensuring long-term fiscal relief and improved profitability.

The minimum eligible investment value is 10 million MDL (approx. €500,000). A single project cannot receive more than 20% of the scheme's total budget, ensuring broad participation and competitive allocation.

“This scheme gives foreign investors a compelling reason to consider Moldova as their next strategic location. The incentive structure is aligned with EU rules and directly supports large-scale projects in manufacturing, electronics, agrifood, and automotive supply chains. Investors entering now gain a first-mover advantage in a rapidly transforming industrial landscape,” says Natalia Bejan, Director of Invest Moldova Agency

Six Priority Sectors Open to International Investors

The scheme focuses on six high-growth, export-oriented sectors with strong regional integration potential:

• Electronics
• Chemical & pharmaceutical production
• Automotive components
• Textiles & apparel
• Construction materials
• Food & agrifood processing.

For construction materials, the scheme explicitly covers thermal insulation systems, adhesives, cement, bricks, and related product lines—reflecting growing demand across Romania, Ukraine, and EU markets.

Balanced Regional Development Incentives

Aid intensity varies by region:

• Higher support is available for investments in the northern and southern regions;
• Moderate support for investments in central areas.

This strategy encourages balanced territorial development and reduces regional disparities—an important criterion for EU-aligned state-aid policy.

“Foreign manufacturers looking to diversify production within the European neighbourhood will find Moldova both cost-effective and strategically located. The scheme reflects our long-term commitment to industrial modernization and to attracting investors who generate value-added jobs and export capacity,” Mrs Bejan continues.

Strong Early Uptake from Industry

By October 2025, six companies had already signed state aid agreements, demonstrating strong early demand from both domestic and foreign-owned enterprises. These include:

• Imcomvil Group Ltd. – 30.2 million MDL in state support for a 60 million MDL snack production expansion, generating 60 new jobs;
• Electrotehnica (Bălți) – 173.8 million MDL in support for a 293 million MDL transformation of a historic plant into a modern food production center, creating 319 jobs;
• Gido Park (Criuleni district) – state aid agreement for over 72 million MDL investment to establish a new production facility of pressed concrete items with 40 new jobs.

These early results highlight Moldova's growing appeal to investors seeking nearshoring, supply-chain diversification, and export access to the EU.

Long-Term Commitment and Scale

The total scheme budget is estimated at 4 billion MDL (approx. €200 million), with state aid agreements available until 31 December 2034, subject to annual budget allocations.
The government expects up to 150 enterprises to benefit from the program over the next decade.

This aligns with Moldova's national targets to:

Increase manufacturing share of GDP from 8.2% (2023) to 11.5% (2028);
Increase industrial output by at least 25% by 2028.

About Invest Moldova
Invest Moldova is the national investment and export promotion agency, dedicated to advancing Moldova's global competitiveness. The agency supports international investors throughout the full investment cycle and assists Moldovan exporters with market entry, compliance, and expansion strategies. Through coordinated promotion, policy dialogue, and private-sector engagement, Invest Moldova works to attract investment, diversify exports, and strengthen Moldova's long-term economic growth.

Source: ARM Hub

BRISBANE – ARM Hub welcomes today's National AI Plan, which delivers practical AI deployment support for Australia's industrial sector, sovereign capability, and safety guidance.

The plan provides $29.9 million for the AI Safety Institute and more than $460 million across existing AI programs, with coordination of Australia's AI adoption efforts through the AI Adopt Centre network.

The plan's three goals align directly with ARM Hub's work: capturing AI opportunities through practical deployment, spreading benefits across Australian industry, and keeping businesses safe as they adopt new technologies.

“The plan strengthens how Australia supports industrial AI adoption,” said Professor Cori Stewart, ARM Hub CEO and Founder.

“By coordinating the AI Adopt Centre network under NAIC and maintaining the $17 million AI Adopt Program, it ensures SMEs get practical support to deploy AI without the barriers larger companies can overcome. ARM Hub delivers that support across sectors including advanced manufacturing, medical technology, defence, clean energy, metal fabrication, and even enabling technologies like robotics and embedded AI.”

The plan directly supports ARM Hub's industrial work in several areas:

Coordinated adoption support: The National AI Centre's expanded role coordinating all four AI Adopt Centres strengthens ARM Hub's focus on industrial applications while improving national consistency. The plan brings the $17 million AI Adopt Program under NAIC oversight, enhancing support for SMEs implementing AI.

Practical skills development: The plan emphasizes TAFE and workforce programs alongside research institutions, recognising that floor managers and production staff across industrial sectors need AI confidence to succeed in an AI-enabled economy.

Sovereign capability: The plan's investment in local infrastructure and the GovAI framework addresses security concerns for industrial businesses working with robotics and AI, providing clarity for companies investing in advanced technologies.

The plan also establishes the AI Safety Institute to monitor, test and share information on emerging AI capabilities, risks and harms, supporting regulators as AI becomes embedded in industrial production systems and supply chains.

ARM Hub's AI Adopt Centre continues supporting industrial businesses nationally through practical guidance, data infrastructure support, and connections to Australia's broader AI ecosystem, helping companies access national programs and scale their innovations.

Source: Amnesty International

Responding to today’s decision by an Azerbaijani court to remand in custody prominent opposition leader Ali Karimli, following a raid on his home and his arrest by the State Security Service, Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, said:

“Ali Karimli’s detention is the latest outrage in the ongoing consolidation of authoritarian practices in Azerbaijan. There appears to be no limits to the government’s campaign to crush all political opposition and suppress all dissent in the country. While few are prepared to openly challenge the authorities, the decision to arrest an opposition leader, hold him incommunicado and press dubious charges of ‘attempted seizure of power’ against him, sends a chilling warning to anyone who may have doubts as to how far the Azerbaijani government is prepared to go.”

“Authorities must release Ali Karimli unless they can demonstrate reasonable evidence of an alleged criminal offence. All they have demonstrated so far, by snatching and holding him incommunicado, and thus denying him his right to a fair trial, is their determination to take this wave of politically motivated arrests targeting opposition figures, academics, journalists and activists, even further.”

Background

On 1 December, the Sabayil District Court in Baku remanded Ali Karimli, chairman of the opposition Azerbaijani Popular Front Party (APFP) in pre-trial detention for two months and 15 days, under Article 278.1 of the Criminal Code (“actions aimed at the violent seizure of power” and “violent change of the constitutional order”). Authorities have connected him to a criminal investigation against Ramiz Mehdiyev, the former head of the presidential administration, who was charged in October with attempted “seizure of power,” “high treason” and the “legalization of property obtained by criminal means.”

Ali Karimli was detained on 29 November after security agents raided his home in Baku after which he was kept incommunicado for two days. Several other APFP members were also detained following searches, including Presidium member Mammad Ibrahim who has been held incommunicado since.

These arrests come amid an intensified crackdown on dissent in Azerbaijan, where journalists, academics and opposition figures increasingly face harassment, arbitrary detention and politically motivated prosecutions.

Source: Equinor

01 DECEMBER 2025 – Equinor and Shell have completed a deal to combine their UK offshore oil and gas operations to form a new company. Adura, which launched today, will be the UK North Sea’s largest independent producer.

Adura CEO Neil McCulloch, who brings more than 30 years' experience in the energy sector, said: “It’s a rare privilege to be part of a company’s first chapter. A commitment to safety, a belief in the future of the North Sea, and the combined expertise from Equinor and Shell form the foundation of our exciting new company. I can't wait to begin working with this exceptional team.”

Adura, jointly owned by Shell (50%) and Equinor (50%), combines decades of North Sea expertise into a joint venture that is positioned to deliver a more cost-competitive portfolio and maximize long-term value for UK assets.

Shell’s executive vice president for Conventional Oil & Gas, Rich Howe said: “Forming the largest independent producer together with Equinor is an historic moment for our business and the UK energy industry. With an exceptional asset base and industry leading expertise, Adura is well-positioned to lead in this mature basin.”

Equinor’s executive vice president for Exploration and Production International, Philippe Mathieu, said: “Adura represents a new chapter in the UK North Sea, bringing together two strong portfolios and decades of experience. With the focus, scale and operational flexibility needed to succeed, the company is positioned for long-term impact. As owners, we are confident that Adura will generate long-term value and reinforce the UK North Sea’s role in meeting the country’s energy needs.”

Adura assumes Equinor and Shell’s interests in 12 producing oil and gas assets and projects in execution, including: Mariner, Rosebank, Buzzard, Shearwater, Penguins, Gannet, Nelson, Pierce, Jackdaw, Victory, Clair and Schiehallion. It also holds a number of exploration licenses. The company is headquartered in Aberdeen. Staff from both Shell and Equinor have transferred into Adura, ensuring that industry-leading expertise is retained.

Notes

• Adura employs approximately 1,200 people.
• Adura is expected to produce over 140,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2026.
• According to data produced by Wood Mackenzie, Adura is expected to produce more oil and gas from the UK North Sea than any other producer in 2026.
• Equinor will retain ownership of its cross-border assets, Utgard, Barnacle and Statfjord and offshore wind portfolio including Sheringham Shoal, Dudgeon, Hywind Scotland and Dogger Bank. It will also retain the hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, power generation, battery storage and gas storage assets.
• Shell U.K. Limited will retain ownership of its interests and projects that are part of the UK SEGAL system, namely Fife NGL Plant, St Fergus Gas Terminal and the Braefoot Bay facility, and in the Bacton onshore gas terminal and multiple assets in the Southern North Sea. It also retains its interest in the Howe asset as well as a number of assets that are post cessation of production.

Source: KOF Economic Institute

The KOF Economic Barometer increases slightly in November. After now rising for three consecutive months, it continues to remain above its medium-term average. The outlook for the Swiss economy is steady.

In November, the KOF Economic Barometer increases by 0.2 points to a level of 101.7 (after revised 101.5 in the previous month). The positive developments are particularly reflected by the demand side indicators included in the KOF Economic Barometer. Both the indicator bundles for foreign demand as well as for private consumption show a favourable outlook. Among the production side indicator bundles, the indicators for financial and insurance services and for construction are under pressure.

Many of the indicators for the different aspects of business activity within the producing industry (manufacturing and construction) are under pressure. In particular, the sub-indicators for employment prospects as well as for stockpiling of intermediate goods exhibit negative developments. This is slightly cushioned by a positive outlook for the sub-indicators for exports in particular.

The sub-indicators within manufacturing indicate a mixed outlook. While the sub-indicators for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry are particularly improving, the sub-indicators for paper and printing products as well as for the metal industry are under pressure.

Source: Amnesty International

In response to today’s Tokyo High Court decision that endorsed the Japanese government ban on same-sex marriage, Amnesty International’s East Asia Researcher Boram Jang said:

“The court’s decision today marks a significant step backwards for marriage equality in Japan. The ruling in Tokyo – the final high court ruling of six lawsuits filed across the country and the only ruling to say, in effect, that discrimination against same-sex couples is constitutional – cannot be allowed to hamper progress. But it should serve as a warning of the reluctance to acknowledge the concept of same-sex marriage and the reality of same-sex couples living in Japan.

“While these cases work their way to the Supreme Court, the government can resolve this issue through legislation without further delay. The Japanese government needs to be proactive in moving towards the legalisation of same-sex marriage so that couples can fully enjoy the same marriage rights as their heterosexual counterparts.

“Japan remains the only G7 country without legal recognition for same-sex couples. The law passed by the government in 2023 to promote understanding of LGBTI people is not enough. There need to be solid, legal measures in place to protect same-sex couples and the LGBTI community in Japan from all forms of discrimination.”

Background

On 28 November 2025, Tokyo High Court ruled in favour of Japan’s ban on same-sex marriage outlining that the ban does not violate Article 24(1) and (2) and Article 14 (1) of the Constitution. However, Presiding Judge Yumi Tōa stated that if the current situation continues, “it is inevitable that constitutional violations will arise” and that “the issue should first be thoroughly deliberated in the Diet.”

This decision marks the last high court ruling of six lawsuits filed.

In 2019, five lawsuits were filed in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo and Fukuoka with an additional lawsuit filed in Tokyo in 2021.

Sapporo High Court was the first high court to hand down a decision on the issue. In March 2024, the court ruled that the provisions of the Civil Code and the Family Register Act that do not recognize same-sex marriage are unconstitutional, as they violate Article 24(1) and (2) and Article 14 (1) of the Constitution.

Other high court decisions followed with Tokyo High Court finding that the same-sex marriage ban violated Article 24(2) and Article 14(1) of the Constitution in October 2024. Shortly after in December 2024, Fukuoka High Court came to a similar decision but also outlined a violation of Article 13 of the Constitution which details the right to pursue happiness.

In March 2025, both Nagoya High Court and Osaka High Court ruled the ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional as it violated Article 24(2) and Article 14(1) of the Constitution.

With all high court decisions made, the cases await a Supreme Court ruling.

Source: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CommBank)

Through the Australian Government Help to Buy Scheme, eligible CBA customers can bridge the gap between their borrowing power and the price of a home.

28 November 2025

Key information

• CommBank offers eligible Australians access to the Australian Government Help to Buy Scheme.
• Help to Buy is a shared equity scheme with an Australian Government contribution towards the purchase price.
•  Buyers can purchase a home with as little as a 2 per cent deposit and a loan from a participating lender.
• The Government contributes up to 30 per cent for existing homes or 40 per cent for new builds.
• Homeowners repay the Government’s share when selling or through voluntary repayments.
• From Friday 5 December, CBA customers can access the Australian Government Help to Buy Scheme in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory. The Scheme is expected to be available in Western Australia in 2026. 

CommBank participating in the Australian Government Help to Buy Scheme

As the only major bank currently taking part in the Australian Government Help to Buy Scheme, Commonwealth Bank has welcomed the announcement to expand support for home buyers.

Under the shared equity scheme, eligible customers can purchase a home with as little as a 2 per cent deposit, with the Australian Government contributing up to 30 per cent toward the purchase price of an existing home or up to 40 per cent of newly built properties.

CBA’s Retail Bank Group Executive Angus Sullivan says: “We know it can be challenging for first home buyers or someone returning to the market to take that step onto the property ladder. That’s why we’re really pleased to be supporting the Government’s Help to Buy initiative, aimed at making home ownership more accessible for more Australians.”

Customers who purchase a home through the Help to Buy Scheme can repay the Government’s contribution several ways:  

• Through voluntary repayments at any time;
• Buying back the Government’s equity when they have the financial capacity;
• When the property is sold.

“Help to Buy allows eligible customers to get into a home sooner, with support towards the purchase price. It’s also flexible, giving people more choice on how they repay the Government’s contribution,” Sullivan said.

In addition to Help to Buy, CommBank is a leading lender in the Australian Government’s 5% Deposit Scheme.

“Since 2022, we have helped tens of thousands of first home buyers enter the market using the 5% Deposit Scheme and now the Help to Buy Scheme provides another way for Australians to realise their property dreams,” added Sullivan.

Supporting first home buyers remains a key focus for CommBank. In addition to Government schemes, CBA offers tailored lending solutions and connects customers with Australia’s largest network of home lending specialists, supporting them from their first enquiry through to settlement.

“We also offer flexible policies, such as alternative servicing methods for customers able to repay their HELP debt within five years. This can increase borrowing power and help customers achieve home ownership sooner,” Sullivan said.

Places in the Australian Government Help to Buy Scheme are limited; customers can find more information including eligibility criteria at firsthomebuyers.gov.au. Commbank.com.au will also be updated.

Eligible customers can apply for the Australian Government Help to Buy Scheme through a CommBank Home Lending Specialist from Friday 5 December 2025.