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By WILL WEISSERT, JUAN ZAMORANO and GARY FIELDS PANAMA CITY (AP) — Teddy Roosevelt once declared the Panama Canal “one of the feats to which the people of this republic will look back with the highest pride.” More than a century later, Donald Trump is threatening to take back the waterway for the same republic. Related Articles National Politics | Inside the Gaetz ethics report, a trove of new details alleging payments for sex and drug use National Politics | An analyst looks ahead to how the US economy might fare under Trump National Politics | Trump again calls to buy Greenland after eyeing Canada and the Panama Canal National Politics | House Ethics Committee accuses Gaetz of ‘regularly’ paying for sex, including with 17-year-old girl National Politics | Trump wants mass deportations. For the agents removing immigrants, it’s a painstaking process The president-elect is decrying increased fees Panama has imposed to use the waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. He says if things don’t change after he takes office next month, “We will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States of America, in full, quickly and without question.” Trump has long threatened allies with punitive action in hopes of winning concessions. But experts in both countries are clear: Unless he goes to war with Panama, Trump can’t reassert control over a canal the U.S. agreed to cede in the 1970s. Here’s a look at how we got here: It is a man-made waterway that uses a series of locks and reservoirs over 51 miles (82 kilometers) to cut through the middle of Panama and connect the Atlantic and Pacific. It spares ships having to go an additional roughly 7,000 miles (more than 11,000 kilometers) to sail around Cape Horn at South America’s southern tip. The U.S. International Trade Administration says the canal saves American business interests “considerable time and fuel costs” and enables faster delivery of goods, which is “particularly significant for time sensitive cargoes, perishable goods, and industries with just-in-time supply chains.” An effort to establish a canal through Panama led by Ferdinand de Lesseps, who built Egypt’s Suez Canal, began in 1880 but progressed little over nine years before going bankrupt. Malaria, yellow fever and other tropical diseases devastated a workforce already struggling with especially dangerous terrain and harsh working conditions in the jungle, eventually costing more than 20,000 lives, by some estimates. Panama was then a province of Colombia, which refused to ratify a subsequent 1901 treaty licensing U.S. interests to build the canal. Roosevelt responded by dispatching U.S. warships to Panama’s Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The U.S. also prewrote a constitution that would be ready after Panamanian independence, giving American forces “the right to intervene in any part of Panama, to re-establish public peace and constitutional order.” In part because Colombian troops were unable to traverse harsh jungles, Panama declared an effectively bloodless independence within hours in November 1903. It soon signed a treaty allowing a U.S.-led team to begin construction . Some 5,600 workers died later during the U.S.-led construction project, according to one study. The waterway opened in 1914, but almost immediately some Panamanians began questioning the validity of U.S. control, leading to what became known in the country as the “generational struggle” to take it over. The U.S. abrogated its right to intervene in Panama in the 1930s. By the 1970s, with its administrative costs sharply increasing, Washington spent years negotiating with Panama to cede control of the waterway. The Carter administration worked with the government of Omar Torrijos. The two sides eventually decided that their best chance for ratification was to submit two treaties to the U.S. Senate, the “Permanent Neutrality Treaty” and the “Panama Canal Treaty.” The first, which continues in perpetuity, gives the U.S. the right to act to ensure the canal remains open and secure. The second stated that the U.S. would turn over the canal to Panama on Dec. 31, 1999, and was terminated then. Both were signed in 1977 and ratified the following year. The agreements held even after 1989, when President George H.W. Bush invaded Panama to remove Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega. In the late 1970s, as the handover treaties were being discussed and ratified, polls found that about half of Americans opposed the decision to cede canal control to Panama. However, by the time ownership actually changed in 1999, public opinion had shifted, with about half of Americans in favor. Administration of the canal has been more efficient under Panama than during the U.S. era, with traffic increasing 17% between fiscal years 1999 and 2004 . Panama’s voters approved a 2006 referendum authorizing a major expansion of the canal to accommodate larger modern cargo ships. The expansion took until 2016 and cost more than $5.2 billion. Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino said in a video Sunday that “every square meter of the canal belongs to Panama and will continue to.” He added that, while his country’s people are divided on some key issues, “when it comes to our canal, and our sovereignty, we will all unite under our Panamanian flag.” Shipping prices have increased because of droughts last year affecting the canal locks, forcing Panama to drastically cut shipping traffic through the canal and raise rates to use it. Though the rains have mostly returned, Panama says future fee increases might be necessary as it undertakes improvements to accommodate modern shipping needs. Mulino said fees to use the canal are “not set on a whim.” Jorge Luis Quijano, who served as the waterway’s administrator from 2014 to 2019, said all canal users are subject to the same fees, though they vary by ship size and other factors. “I can accept that the canal’s customers may complain about any price increase,” Quijano said. “But that does not give them reason to consider taking it back.” The president-elect says the U.S. is getting “ripped off” and “I’m not going to stand for it.” “It was given to Panama and to the people of Panama, but it has provisions — you’ve got to treat us fairly. And they haven’t treated us fairly,” Trump said of the 1977 treaty that he said “foolishly” gave the canal away. The neutrality treaty does give the U.S. the right to act if the canal’s operation is threatened due to military conflict — but not to reassert control. “There’s no clause of any kind in the neutrality agreement that allows for the taking back of the canal,” Quijano said. “Legally, there’s no way, under normal circumstances, to recover territory that was used previously.” Trump, meanwhile, hasn’t said how he might make good on his threat. “There’s very little wiggle room, absent a second U.S. invasion of Panama, to retake control of the Panama Canal in practical terms,” said Benjamin Gedan, director of the Latin America Program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington. Gedan said Trump’s stance is especially baffling given that Mulino is a pro-business conservative who has “made lots of other overtures to show that he would prefer a special relationship with the United States.” He also noted that Panama in recent years has moved closer to China, meaning the U.S. has strategic reasons to keep its relationship with the Central American nation friendly. Panama is also a U.S. partner on stopping illegal immigration from South America — perhaps Trump’s biggest policy priority. “If you’re going to pick a fight with Panama on an issue,” Gedan said, “you could not find a worse one than the canal.” Weissert reported from West Palm Beach, Florida, and Fields from Washington. Amelia Thomson-Deveaux contributed to this report from Washington.FILE – A cargo ship traverses the Agua Clara Locks of the Panama Canal in Colon, Panama, Sept. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix, File) FILE – President Jimmy Carter applauds as General Omar Torrijos waves after the signing and exchange of treaties in Panama City on June 16, 1978, giving control of the Panama Canal to Panama in 2000. At far right is Zbigniew Brzezinski, Carterís National Security Advisor. (AP Photo, File) FILE – President Jimmy Carter views the Panama Canal at the Miraflores Locks in Canal Zone on June 17, 1978. On Friday Carter signed the final Panama Canal Treaties giving control of the canal to Panama in 2000. (AP Photo/Tasnadi, File) FILE – A cargo ship traverses the Agua Clara Locks of the Panama Canal in Colon, Panama, Sept. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix, File) By WILL WEISSERT, JUAN ZAMORANO and GARY FIELDS PANAMA CITY (AP) — Teddy Roosevelt once declared the Panama Canal “one of the feats to which the people of this republic will look back with the highest pride.” More than a century later, Donald Trump is threatening to take back the waterway for the same republic. Related Articles National Politics | President-elect Trump wants to again rename North America’s tallest peak National Politics | Inside the Gaetz ethics report, a trove of new details alleging payments for sex and drug use National Politics | An analyst looks ahead to how the US economy might fare under Trump National Politics | Trump again calls to buy Greenland after eyeing Canada and the Panama Canal National Politics | House Ethics Committee accuses Gaetz of ‘regularly’ paying for sex, including with 17-year-old girl The president-elect is decrying increased fees Panama has imposed to use the waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. He says if things don’t change after he takes office next month, “We will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States of America, in full, quickly and without question.” Trump has long threatened allies with punitive action in hopes of winning concessions. But experts in both countries are clear: Unless he goes to war with Panama, Trump can’t reassert control over a canal the U.S. agreed to cede in the 1970s. Here’s a look at how we got here: It is a man-made waterway that uses a series of locks and reservoirs over 51 miles (82 kilometers) to cut through the middle of Panama and connect the Atlantic and Pacific. It spares ships having to go an additional roughly 7,000 miles (more than 11,000 kilometers) to sail around Cape Horn at South America’s southern tip. The U.S. International Trade Administration says the canal saves American business interests “considerable time and fuel costs” and enables faster delivery of goods, which is “particularly significant for time sensitive cargoes, perishable goods, and industries with just-in-time supply chains.” An effort to establish a canal through Panama led by Ferdinand de Lesseps, who built Egypt’s Suez Canal, began in 1880 but progressed little over nine years before going bankrupt. Malaria, yellow fever and other tropical diseases devastated a workforce already struggling with especially dangerous terrain and harsh working conditions in the jungle, eventually costing more than 20,000 lives, by some estimates. Panama was then a province of Colombia, which refused to ratify a subsequent 1901 treaty licensing U.S. interests to build the canal. Roosevelt responded by dispatching U.S. warships to Panama’s Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The U.S. also prewrote a constitution that would be ready after Panamanian independence, giving American forces “the right to intervene in any part of Panama, to re-establish public peace and constitutional order.” In part because Colombian troops were unable to traverse harsh jungles, Panama declared an effectively bloodless independence within hours in November 1903. It soon signed a treaty allowing a U.S.-led team to begin construction . Some 5,600 workers died later during the U.S.-led construction project, according to one study. The waterway opened in 1914, but almost immediately some Panamanians began questioning the validity of U.S. control, leading to what became known in the country as the “generational struggle” to take it over. The U.S. abrogated its right to intervene in Panama in the 1930s. By the 1970s, with its administrative costs sharply increasing, Washington spent years negotiating with Panama to cede control of the waterway. The Carter administration worked with the government of Omar Torrijos. The two sides eventually decided that their best chance for ratification was to submit two treaties to the U.S. Senate, the “Permanent Neutrality Treaty” and the “Panama Canal Treaty.” The first, which continues in perpetuity, gives the U.S. the right to act to ensure the canal remains open and secure. The second stated that the U.S. would turn over the canal to Panama on Dec. 31, 1999, and was terminated then. Both were signed in 1977 and ratified the following year. The agreements held even after 1989, when President George H.W. Bush invaded Panama to remove Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega. In the late 1970s, as the handover treaties were being discussed and ratified, polls found that about half of Americans opposed the decision to cede canal control to Panama. However, by the time ownership actually changed in 1999, public opinion had shifted, with about half of Americans in favor. Administration of the canal has been more efficient under Panama than during the U.S. era, with traffic increasing 17% between fiscal years 1999 and 2004 . Panama’s voters approved a 2006 referendum authorizing a major expansion of the canal to accommodate larger modern cargo ships. The expansion took until 2016 and cost more than $5.2 billion. Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino said in a video Sunday that “every square meter of the canal belongs to Panama and will continue to.” He added that, while his country’s people are divided on some key issues, “when it comes to our canal, and our sovereignty, we will all unite under our Panamanian flag.” Shipping prices have increased because of droughts last year affecting the canal locks, forcing Panama to drastically cut shipping traffic through the canal and raise rates to use it. Though the rains have mostly returned, Panama says future fee increases might be necessary as it undertakes improvements to accommodate modern shipping needs. Mulino said fees to use the canal are “not set on a whim.” Jorge Luis Quijano, who served as the waterway’s administrator from 2014 to 2019, said all canal users are subject to the same fees, though they vary by ship size and other factors. “I can accept that the canal’s customers may complain about any price increase,” Quijano said. “But that does not give them reason to consider taking it back.” The president-elect says the U.S. is getting “ripped off” and “I’m not going to stand for it.” “It was given to Panama and to the people of Panama, but it has provisions — you’ve got to treat us fairly. And they haven’t treated us fairly,” Trump said of the 1977 treaty that he said “foolishly” gave the canal away. The neutrality treaty does give the U.S. the right to act if the canal’s operation is threatened due to military conflict — but not to reassert control. “There’s no clause of any kind in the neutrality agreement that allows for the taking back of the canal,” Quijano said. “Legally, there’s no way, under normal circumstances, to recover territory that was used previously.” Trump, meanwhile, hasn’t said how he might make good on his threat. “There’s very little wiggle room, absent a second U.S. invasion of Panama, to retake control of the Panama Canal in practical terms,” said Benjamin Gedan, director of the Latin America Program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington. Gedan said Trump’s stance is especially baffling given that Mulino is a pro-business conservative who has “made lots of other overtures to show that he would prefer a special relationship with the United States.” He also noted that Panama in recent years has moved closer to China, meaning the U.S. has strategic reasons to keep its relationship with the Central American nation friendly. Panama is also a U.S. partner on stopping illegal immigration from South America — perhaps Trump’s biggest policy priority. “If you’re going to pick a fight with Panama on an issue,” Gedan said, “you could not find a worse one than the canal.” Weissert reported from West Palm Beach, Florida, and Fields from Washington. Amelia Thomson-Deveaux contributed to this report from Washington.
Edinburgh just held off a second-half fightback by Benetton to claim a valuable URC victory on Saturday night. The match appeared to be in the bag when the home team ran in 35-0 unanswered points in the first half, but with a strengthening wind at their backs the Italians fought back to within a score until a late try by Ben Muncaster put the issue beyond doubt. Both teams went into the game in some need of a good result, having each won just two of their opening six URC matches. Edinburgh, tenth in the 16-team table at the start of play and ahead of Benetton only on points difference, knew a sizeable victory could take them into the top-eight play-off places. It took them
ROME (AP) — Romelu Lukaku scored against his former club and Napoli beat struggling Roma 1-0 on Sunday to reclaim the Serie A lead and spoil Claudio Ranieri’s debut with the Giallorossi. Napoli moved one point ahead of Atalanta, Inter Milan, Fiorentina and Lazio. Fiorentina won 2-0 at Como for its seventh consecutive victory and Lazio beat 10-man Bologna 3-0. Lukaku redirected in a cross from Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo early in the second half at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Roma had a chance to equalize but Artem Dovbyk’s header banged off the crossbar. Lukaku played for Roma last season but was one of the main transfer targets when Antonio Conte was hired at Napoli for this season. Ranieri was hired 10 days ago as Roma's third coach of the season, replacing the fired Ivan Juric, who had in turn replaced Daniele De Rossi. Still, Roma remained in 12th place, four points above the relegation zone. Yacine Adli put Fiorentina ahead with a long-range strike early on. Then Moise Kean redirected in a cross midway through the second half for his ninth goal of the season. Fiorentina last won seven straight in a single Serie A campaign in 1960, when it won eight in a row. Bologna was reduced to 10 men when Tommaso Pobega picked up two yellows during the first half. But it took a while until Lazio took control with second-half goals from Samuel Gigot, Mattia Zaccagni and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. Patrick Vieira’s debut as Genoa coach was a 2-2 draw with Cagliari. Both of Cagliari’s goals came on penalties, including Roberto Piccoli’s equalizer in the 88th. Vieira was hired on Wednesday to replace the fired Alberto Gilardino. Mario Balotelli came on late for Genoa and didn't make an impact. Torino and Monza drew 1-1. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Sunday, November 24, 2024 Saudi Arabia is revolutionizing its tourism sector under the ambitious Vision 2030 initiative, with women playing a vital role in this transformation. His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism for Saudi Arabia, recently highlighted these advancements during the 122nd UNWTO Executive Council Meeting in Colombia. With over 100,000 women joining the tourism workforce since 2019, Saudi Arabia is demonstrating its commitment to inclusivity, economic diversification, and global leadership in tourism. At the core of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy is a drive to diversify the Kingdom’s economy beyond oil and position tourism as a cornerstone of economic growth. Empowering women in the workforce is a key component of this vision. Since 2019, significant strides have been made to integrate women into the tourism industry, allowing them to take on roles in new developments such as the Red Sea resorts and NEOM, the Kingdom’s futuristic smart city. “Women are passionate, skilled, and enthusiastic to share Saudi Arabia’s story with the world,” said His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, Saudi Arabia at an exclusive interaction with Anup Kumar Keshan, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Travel And Tour World. He emphasized that women are not only contributing to the sector’s growth but are also serving as cultural ambassadors, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage and modern ambitions. The Saudi government has implemented several initiatives to support women in tourism. These measures are designed to provide vocational training, improve employment conditions, and create new opportunities across the Kingdom. Here’s how Saudi Arabia is fostering women’s participation in the tourism workforce: Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in training and development programs aimed at equipping women with the skills required for careers in tourism, hospitality, and entertainment. These initiatives ensure that women are prepared to excel in roles such as tour guides, hotel managers, and event coordinators. In partnership with international institutions, these programs focus on building technical expertise, language proficiency, and leadership capabilities. The goal is to create a highly skilled workforce that can cater to the needs of an expanding tourism sector. To attract and retain women in tourism, the Saudi government has introduced policies to increase wages and enhance workplace conditions. These efforts are aligned with broader national goals to improve gender equality and economic participation. Women are playing a pivotal role in some of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious tourism projects, including the Red Sea resorts and NEOM. These mega-developments are expected to draw millions of tourists annually, creating thousands of jobs in hospitality, entertainment, and retail. Women are contributing to these projects in a variety of roles, from on-the-ground operations to managerial and leadership positions. The government has introduced regulatory frameworks to ensure that women have access to equal opportunities in the tourism sector. These policies focus on creating inclusive workplaces and promoting gender diversity across all levels of the industry. The integration of women into Saudi Arabia’s tourism workforce is not only a matter of social progress but also an economic imperative. Tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the Kingdom, with ambitious targets to attract 100 million annual visitors by 2030 and increase tourism’s contribution to GDP from 3% to 10%. By empowering women, Saudi Arabia is tapping into a vital source of talent and creativity, driving innovation and enhancing the visitor experience. Women are contributing to every aspect of the tourism value chain, from front-line hospitality roles to behind-the-scenes strategic planning. Vision 2030 serves as the guiding framework for Saudi Arabia’s transformation into a global tourism powerhouse. This comprehensive strategy emphasizes sustainability, inclusivity, and the creation of world-class destinations. Women’s participation in tourism is a critical pillar of Vision 2030, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to building a diversified and resilient economy. As part of this vision, Saudi Arabia is also leveraging its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and modern attractions to attract tourists from around the globe. Key destinations such as AlUla, Diriyah, and the Red Sea coastline are being developed to offer unique experiences that blend history, luxury, and adventure. Saudi Arabia’s efforts to transform its tourism sector have garnered international recognition. At the 122nd UNWTO Executive Council Meeting, the Kingdom’s achievements in empowering women and driving sustainable tourism were celebrated as a model for other nations. His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb emphasized that tourism must serve as a tool for social progress. “By investing in people, we create a future where tourism benefits everyone, from local communities to global travelers,” he said. This approach aligns with global goals to make tourism a force for good, promoting economic development and cultural exchange. The inclusion of women in Saudi Arabia’s tourism workforce has a transformative effect on communities and families across the Kingdom. Women who join the industry not only contribute to economic growth but also serve as role models for future generations. Their success stories inspire young Saudis to pursue careers in tourism, creating a ripple effect of empowerment and opportunity. Moreover, women’s unique perspectives and skills enhance the overall quality of the tourism experience. From creating personalized guest experiences to managing complex operations, women bring valuable contributions that elevate Saudi Arabia’s reputation as a world-class destination. As Saudi Arabia continues its journey towards Vision 2030, the role of women in tourism will only grow in importance. The Kingdom is set to launch even more initiatives to support women’s participation, including expanded training programs, mentorship opportunities, and leadership development schemes. Mega-projects such as NEOM and the Red Sea resorts will remain key drivers of job creation, offering women unprecedented opportunities to contribute to the Kingdom’s tourism transformation. Additionally, the increasing number of international tourists will create a demand for skilled professionals who can deliver exceptional service and hospitality. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is redefining the global tourism landscape, with women at the forefront of this transformation. By empowering over 100,000 women to join the tourism workforce since 2019, the Kingdom is demonstrating its commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and economic diversification. Through initiatives such as vocational training, wage increases, and roles in iconic developments like NEOM and the Red Sea resorts, Saudi Arabia is setting a benchmark for gender equality and innovation in tourism. As the Kingdom continues to attract global attention for its ambitious projects and visionary leadership, women will remain integral to its success in becoming a premier global tourism destination. Read Travel Industry News in 104 different regional platforms Get our daily dose of news, by subscribing to our newsletters. Subscribe here . Watch Travel And Tour World Interviews here . Read more Breaking Travel News , Daily Travel Alert , and Travel Industry News on Travel And Tour World only.Another Voice: Tyranny or crucifixion
Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Saturday said that the man seen in a viral video falling from a container during a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest in Islamabad is "completely fine." Speaking to the media, Tarar said that the man sustained minor injuries in the incident, as reported by Dawn. The viral video, shot during a protest at Islamabad's D-Chowk, shows men, dressed as security personnel with riot gear, pushing a man off a stack of three shipping containers. The PTI supporters were demanding the release of their leader and party chief, Imran Khan. The protests turned violent on November 26, and PTI supporters were met with intense tear gas shelling by security forces. According to Dawn, a photographer captured a picture showing a man hanging off the edge of a container while men in uniform stood above him. A video of the incident also went viral, sparking various claims on social media, with some posts alleging that the man had died. Pakistani police throw man from three-story-high stack of shipping containers while he is praying pic.twitter.com/vjaVXza4Vb — Bad Cops 🚨 (@CopsGoneWrong) November 27, 2024 Refuting these claims, Minister Tarar said, "Propaganda was spread that a person offering prayers was killed by being pushed down. He is a resident of Mandi Bahauddin and is completely fine. His video has emerged; he sustained an arm injury and has bandages." Tarar further claimed that the man was recording a TikTok video as part of a challenge with a friend and was not offering prayers at the time, as reported by Dawn. Earlier, Awami National Party (ANP) President Aimal Wali Khan called for a ban on political parties that incite violence, including PTI, Dawn reported. Speaking at a press conference alongside Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi at the ANP central secretariat in Wali Bagh on Friday, Khan said that PTI has been working in an undemocratic and nonpolitical manner since its formation and it has always encouraged people to behave in a violent manner. He labelled PTI as "waste that should be disposed of" and said that the state had imposed PTI on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for the past 12 years but such decisions did not give good results, as reported by Dawn report. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.) Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world
The government introduced the bill in mid-September in an effort to prevent and reduce the spread of harmful misinformation online, while also providing transparency through the publication of risk assessments, policies, and reports. "Based on public statements and engagements with Senators, it is clear that there is no pathway to legislate this proposal through the Senate. The Government will not proceed with the Communications Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2024," the statement read. The bill was criticized by representatives from the ruling coalition, green parties, and senators from independent factions. They argued that it would violate freedom of speech and be considered a censorship law. 21 November, 08:51 GMT On Thursday, the Australian government introduced a bill banning children under the age of 16 from using social media. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that social media platforms themselves will be responsible for ensuring that children under 16 cannot create an account, with fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars ($32.2 million) for systemic breaches. On Thursday, the Australian government introduced a bill banning children under the age of 16 from using social media. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that social media platforms themselves will be responsible for ensuring that children under 16 cannot create an account, with fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars ($32.2 million) for systemic breaches.