Latest news with #Chambers
Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Commissioner supports exemptions for two police recruits
By Sam Sherwood of RNZ The Police Commissioner says he fully supports the Assistant Commissioner's decision to sign off on exemptions from recruitment standards for two recruits. It comes after revelations Assistant Commissioner Jill Rogers personally signed off at least two exemptions from recruitment standards. On Wednesday, a police spokesperson confirmed in a statement that Rogers gave at least two approvals in the past year, and records were being checked to see if there were more. "As is already accepted, there had been a practice of discretion applied to some applicants to Police College in relation to the Physical Appraisal Test (PAT)," the statement said. "Assistant Commissioner Jill Rogers can recall two occasions in the last year where she gave approval to be applied to two applicants. There was no directive, instruction, or request issued in relation to this. We are searching available documentation to confirm this number. "As with other recruits, those two candidates went on to pass all the tests required to graduate as constables." The statement said Police Commissioner Richard Chambers had made it clear no more discretion was to be applied. This was following the result of an audit showing the use of discretion had become "too widespread for my liking", and it had developed "over a period of years that pre-dated my time as Commissioner". Chambers and Rogers spoke to media at Parliament on Thursday. Chambers said there had been occasions over the years where discretion had been given. "That's the fair and reasonable thing to do for staff who have their own personal circumstances as to why they might need a little extra support, but I've been clear going forward, there'll be no discretion." Rogers did not want to give any of the personal circumstances about the two recruits, but said she "deemed the circumstances of their recruitment process required an exemption and allowed that". "There are extenuating circumstances in a number of these cases, and so I don't want to talk about the personal circumstances. What I will say is the recruit pipeline to enter our initial training phase is a 12-step process. Once they get through that, they enter into the Police College, where they're required to pass all aspects of the training before they graduate as constables, so there's still a robust process for them to go for before they graduate." Chambers said he had spoken with Rogers about the circumstances of the two recruits and "100% support her decision". "Because when you take into account human beings choosing a career in the police that you know they aspire to be part of our organisation, there may be reasons. Sometimes we have to give some flexibility to their personal circumstances. Now that I understand those, which has been since Monday, I totally support the decision." Chambers said he was focused on "moving forward". "That's where I need to put my time and effort, and that's where I've asked my staff to put their time and effort to so that we can be very confident, which I am, that the quality of police officer for our country remains very, very high." Trust and confidence in police was "critical", Chambers said. "I've made a number of statements publicly about a number of things, actually, that sets an expectation and a standard that I know that it's not just me as a commissioner that can be proud of, it's my full executive and it's 15,000 colleagues across the country. "We're not always going to get it right, and I've said that before. You know, we're human beings at the end of the day, and but when, when things don't quite go to plan, you know, we've got to own it, learn from it, and move on, but the focus is moving forward and continuing to be the best that we can be." Politicians clash over police recruitment targets The government committed in its coalition agreements to recruiting 500 more police officers by November - but seems unlikely to meet that deadline. Labour's Police spokesperson Ginny Andersen said the revelations Rogers was involved raised serious questions about whether political pressure had been applied to the Police College to deliver on that promise. "It's pretty clear that people at the Police College themselves don't make these types of decisions, there's a hierarchy in police. "There's been a clear pattern here of recruits not meeting standards and when the government has promised 500 more police it's pretty clear that pressure has been applied to the college and that's not right. "They've delivered around 30 of 500, and they have until November. It's pretty clear they've failed," Andersen said. In a statement, Mitchell's office said a draft report showed "that for the delivery of the 1800 new police target, a discretionary pass was introduced where the literacy assessment standards were not met, which has since become common practice". "This does raise questions about political pressure." Labour, in 2017, committed to recruit an extra 1800 police officers, marking that milestone in June 2023. RNZ has requested a copy of the draft report the minister's statement refers to. "We have made very clear on discovering this practice that it does not meet our expectations and Police have responded quickly with the Commissioner directing that the practice be ended," his office said. "Labour should be upfront with New Zealanders about the mess they created in order to deliver their well overdue and incomplete 1800 new police target, instead of trying to blame this government that had to come in and clean it up." Further comment has been sought from Andersen responding to Mitchell's statements. She said the review made it clear "recruits failed physical tests and got through anyway". "This happened in the past year, under their watch. Mark Mitchell needs to take accountability for his failure to deliver 500 more police." The audit covers 1022 recruits between January 2024 and April 2025. Preliminary findings showed a significant number of applicants were allowed into the college, despite failing preliminary tests.
Hamilton Spectator
4 days ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Housing for families fleeing intimate partner violence ready for occupants
The Yukon Housing Corporation has bought 3 buildings in Whistle Bend to help provide affordable housing to Yukoners, per a press release. Six of those units will be overseen by the Council of Yukon First Nations to provide transitional housing for Indigenous women leaving emergency or temporary housing. 'This second-stage transitional housing apartment will help us house six families that are currently residing in our Family Preservation Wellness Centre,' said Shadelle Chambers, CYFN's executive director of family preservation services. Chambers said CYFN opened its Family Preservation and Wellness Centre in Whistle Bend earlier this year, and called the centre a double-edged sword. 'We're really happy to be able to fill the building, and have a lot of families and children accessing support, but it just really highlights the need and that intimate partner violence, homelessness and mental health challenges are still a reality for families,' she told reporters on June 13. Rates of intimate partner violence in the Yukon are around four times higher than the national average, per Statistics Canada . The only jurisdictions with rates of intimate partner violence higher than the Yukon are the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Chambers said transitional housing stock is lacking in the Yukon, and that the six new units will help to address that gap. Chambers said the units will act as an outreach model for the existing wellness centre: families living in the units will be semi-independent, but have access to supports and services like food, programming and childcare. She said the first families will start moving in this summer. The three buildings — with six two-bedroom units each — were purchased for $6.3 million this past February. According to a press release, $1.23 million came from federal government via the Northern Carve-out of the Affordable Housing Fund. Dr. Brendan Hanley, the member of parliament for Whitehorse, said the $1.23 million came out of the $40-million Northern Carve-out contribution the Liberal government made in 2021. Premier Ranj Pillai told reporters that the units will help further the implementation of the Yukon government's missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirited people strategy. Pillai said the units were there to help build a supportive neighbourhood for women and children coming out of the family preservation centre. He also said the units are part of ongoing efforts to provide affordable housing across the territory. Pillai mentioned the government's involvement in transitional housing and a men's shelter built in Dawson City, as well as a 10-unit building project in Watson Lake. Chambers said all levels of government need to help provide housing, including the municipal government, who was not represented at the press conference. 'We need to ensure that City of Whitehorse has that social and cultural lens that is really lacking right now,' Chambers said, noting that CYFN is currently applying for a zoning bylaw amendment to have a higher fence for privacy reasons at its family preservation and wellness centre. Chambers said the city also has to address the barriers with its building permit process. 'Particularly when we're in such a housing crisis, we have to have all levels of government working together to reduce those barriers so we can actually get people housed,' she said. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Irish Examiner
4 days ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Budget 2026: Second targeted child benefit payment 'not off the table'
The introduction of a second, targeted child benefit payment is 'not off the table' for Budget 2026, the Taoiseach has said. Micheál Martin said consideration was being given towards the introduction of a second-tier of child benefit. 'Nothing's off the table, we're examining all options in respect of this. We have to do something targeted and something that will have a meaningful impact on child poverty.' The Taoiseach said there would be a 'very significant expenditure' required for such a proposal, with the Government due to look at other options to tackle child poverty. 'There's a wide menu there that we can choose from to target resources to meaningfully impact on the child poverty situation,' Mr Martin said. 'That's not just in terms of income supports, but also in terms of other initiatives in education. For example, the Deis+, which would target more children in particular with severe disadvantage.' Within the 2025 programme for government, there are commitments to 'explore a targeted child benefit payment'. At present, child benefit is paid out to families at a value of €140 per month per child. It is paid to children until they reach 16. However, payments will still be made to 16, 17 and 18-year-olds if they are still in full-time education or training, or if they have a disability and are unable to support themselves. On disabilities, Mr Martin said the Government would give consideration to beginning the process of ending the means test for the carers' allowance. He added there was a 'commitment' to end the means test within the programme for government. Housing However, the Taoiseach declined to speculate on possible tax breaks for developers featuring as part of the budget. Mr Martin highlighted the market sensitivities, but added there would be further initiatives on housing unveiled in the weeks ahead. He said the Government's agenda was to create 'certainty' to bring in more private finance into the housing market. It comes as finance minister Paschal Donohoe did not rule out the possibility of tax breaks for developers, saying how the Government supports the building of homes and infrastructure would be a 'key feature of the budget'. 'What I just want to ensure is that any decisions that we do make are ones that are affordable, well designed and myself, [public expenditure] Minister [Jack] Chambers and the party leaders, will be able to listen to all of these views and work out what I believe will be a safe, sensible budget for next year.' Pressed on this and how he previously came out against such tax reliefs, Mr Donohoe said: 'We're at a position now where we will be intensifying the work in relation to the budget. 'I've outlined my views in the past, I'm clear, but what I'm focused on doing now is working with Minister Chambers to deliver the budget and making sure that all we do in the budget is safe.' Meanwhile, Mr Harris said the Government's pledge to cut the Vat rate to 9% for hospitality was a 'solemn commitment' and it was not just a tax cut for businesses. 'It's about recognising that in every town and every village, there are small businesses that are creating employment that want to be able to keep going and need to be supported,' Mr Harris said. Mr Donohoe added that the Government was committed to delivering on Vat in the budget. However, he warned there may not be income tax cuts in the upcoming budget, with the finance minister saying 'decisions have to be made'. 'If we decide that we are going to make a particular set of decisions and investments in tax, then that means there are other things that we will not do,' Mr Donohoe said.
Irish Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Business
- Irish Daily Mirror
Tough Budget 2026 decisions ahead with tax cuts for workers on chopping block
Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe and Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers have warned that tough decisions will need to be made during the Budget 2026 process. It came amid indications that a reduced VAT rate for hospitality will take precedence over tax cuts for workers. Tánaiste Simon Harris, meanwhile, warned that there is a "dark cloud on the horizon", and suggested US tariffs could impact budget decisions. The National Economic Dialogue was held in Dublin Castle on Monday, marking the start of the budgetary process. It brought together stakeholders and senior Government ministers to discuss Budget 2026, which is due to be unveiled in October. It comes ahead of the publication of the Summer Economic Statement next month. This sets the parameters of the budget and how much money will be allocated. A new National Development Plan will also be unveiled by Minister Chambers next month. Government sources told the Irish Mirror that Budget 2026 will be "much different" to the generous budgets that have been the norm in recent years. They warned that it will be much tighter given concerns about the ongoing uncertainty over US President Donald Trump's tariff regime. It also comes amid a backdrop of concern over the increasing public spending. Speaking at the NED, Minister Donohoe stated that there will have to be a "safe and sensible" budget. He also indicated that reducing the VAT rate for hospitality from 13.5 per cent to 9 per cent could take precedence over tax cuts for workers. He said: "We made it very clear in the general election that choices have to be made and choices have to be made in how we use the country's money. "There are commitments that I know all parties and Government are committed to delivering from the VAT perspective. "But as we make decisions in relation to that, that means there are other things that we can't do. "I am confident that if we are in a position of stability within our public finances in the time ahead, the commitments that we have laid out in the Programme for Government that we can deliver them. "But I think and I know that our first priority leading up to this budget is to look at how we can support jobs, invest in infrastructure and keep our public finances safe. "Decisions always have to be made. Minister Chambers is in the middle of an enormously difficult process with regard to the National Development Plan, where the demands that he has to manage are always ahead of the resources that are available. "The same applies to taxation. If we decide that we are going to make a particular set of decisions and investments in tax, that means there are other things that we will not do." When it was put to Minister Donohoe that the priority in Budget 2026 will be on VAT and hospitality rather than on tax cuts for workers, the Fine Gael TD said that the VAT rate was a "shared priority across Government". He said there is a need to "invest in our future" and "keep and grow jobs in Ireland" as he noted there had been "big changes to the cost of doing business" for those in the hospitality sector. The Tánaiste, meanwhile, said the National Economic Dialogue on Monday marked 23 days until the end of Trump's 90-day tariff pause and what Mr Harris described as a "very high level of tariffs". He warned that the Summer Economic Statement and indeed the budget "will be framed with the best possible information available to us at the time in terms of any economic challenge caused by trade and tariffs". He argued that the final tariffs are still unknown and pharmaceuticals could still be hit. Mr Harris added: "What is absolutely clear, though, is you would want to continue a budgetary strategy in October that is sensible in planning for a variety of eventualities." When asked about the prospect of tax cuts for workers being shelved, Mr Harris said no decision had been made, but the Government made "very clear and specific commitments in certain areas, and those commitments have to be paid for." This included, he said, reduced VAT rates for hospitality. He added: "The country's in a healthy economic space. That'll be one of the messages of the National Economic Dialogue, but with dark clouds on the horizon. Therefore, we have to manage that situation."
Sunday World
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
I Kissed A Boy's Irish star opens up on how the BBC show was the experience of a lifetime
Hugh Brien talks about growing up as a gay man in Ireland, his experience on the show... and his questionable hairstyle Hugh Brien from Cork, who is currently appearing on reality TV show I Kissed A Boy A young Irishman who's currently appearing on Dannii Minogue's gay dating show reveals his mum hit the roof when he got a septum piercing through his nose. Cork man Hugh Brien (26) is starring on TV show I Kissed A Boy at the moment and also sports another distinctive look — a mullet. Mullets are back in vogue among some men, having first become a trend in the '80s and '90s. 'I've had the mullet for a good few years, since pre Covid,' says Hugh. 'I have had short back and sides and no moustache, I was clean-shaven, but it's going to stay for the foreseeable future. The mullet is the one that stuck. 'I was at home, I actually cut it myself for the first two years and it looked awful. I've kept it going since. Mullet is part of my identity now. TV show I Kissed A Boy 'I have three piercings, including a septum, the three you can see. I got the septum first which was a bit wild. My mum didn't talk to me for a few days after, but no others for now.' Hugh hails from the southside of Cork and now lives in London, where he has become friends with another Irish lad who starred on I Kissed A Boy, Rory Jennings from Galway. 'It's nice because Rory moved to London recently and we live really close to each other. We bonded after the show; we would have had a great laugh on the show. But we're great friends now even though we didn't meet in the Maserati [Italian villa],' explains Hugh. 'It's just platonic with us. We have so much in common, being Irish, being in London and having gone through this experience 'When I moved to London I was kind of showing him the ropes around here.' Host Dannii Minogue Hugh delved into the Cork gay scene when he was younger, but all the gay bars there, including Chambers, have now sadly shut their doors for good. 'Chambers was my home away from home,' he confirms. 'I used to go there seven days a week. If I wasn't on a night out, I'd drive in on a Sunday just to see what queens were around — they were some of my closet friends. 'There's a lot of grassroots scene now, where a lot of people are taking it into their own hands rather than rely on a big corporation to run nights and create queer spaces. I did the same myself back in Cork and I do the same in London. I run club nights, creating a queer space 'Chambers was great. I really kind of found my confidence through queer nightlife and made a lot of friends and learned a lot about myself through that, so I can provide a space for other people to do that.' Hugh now works in recruitment in London as his day job, as well a being a club promoter at night in the English capital. 'I had got everything out of Cork that I could have, so I wanted to move on,' he points out. 'Home will be always home — a quick Ryanair flight back and I'm home. 'I love London, it's kind of the perfect place for me right now. There's so much opportunity here, both in terms of work sense, social sense, meeting people from all walks of life.' TV show I Kissed A Boy Hugh was attracted to Jack S on the show. 'Jack is hilarious,' he raves. 'That was the first thing that stood out to me. He was bubbling with personality and he is very confident in himself; he knows who he is. He is up for a laugh and also quite flirtatious, so definitely a personality that drew me in. 'Especially being a new boy in there, somebody you can kind of bounce off. 'Jack S loves his jewellery and has a great sense of style, and clothing and hairstyle. He could be a model if he wanted.' Hugh says he didn't really see anything in any of the other lads. 'I guess when I first went in, a lot of people were kind of good-looking in their own right. But, to be honest, throughout the show I didn't focus on anyone else, I wasn't really attracted to anyone else like that,' he reveals. 'I kind of just because friends with a lot of other people, it was mainly just Jack S that I focused on.' Hugh Brien from Cork, who is currently appearing on reality TV show I Kissed A Boy News in 90 Seconds - 15th June 2025 'I truly don't mind masculine or feminine, there's such a stigma around, especially [among] gay men, a section of our community, which can be very problematic. 'But honestly for me it's much more about the personality — we cry, we can laugh, we can challenge each other. 'There's a few more episodes to come, you have to stay tuned, a lot more to develop and come.' Hugh says his longest relationship was for three years back in Cork, and he knew little about the show before taking part. 'I didn't actually know that much about the show when I was approached by one of the casting producers. But I did some research before and saw what the show was about, that it wasn't making up drama, it was just real queer people getting on and having relationships,' he explains. 'It was just amazing representations. It was something I could have definitely benefited with when I was young, and also I was single at the time, so I said 'why not?'.' Two of his London flatmates flew over for an episode screening this weekend. 'It's such an amazing experience, that goes for the boys themselves, the crew, also the fact that we could explore queer relationships — no distractions — was great,' he beams. 'Overall it was amazing experience to be part of. 'Dannii was a huge part of our experience there and, getting to the last few episodes, she was around a lot. She knows everything about us and really does care. I couldn't think of anyone else to fit that kind of host role for the show.'
