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The Government is rolling out a new cell broadcast National Messaging System (NMS) which will use state-of-the-art technology to significantly enhance how the Commonwealth delivers emergency messages.
It will also improve how States and Territories issue alerts and warnings to mobile phones and devices during a crisis or emergency event, in near real time. The upgrades are made possible through the upcoming federal budget.
Drawing on technology currently used overseas, the speed and effectiveness of the NMS will significantly boost Australia’s ability to send prioritised warnings from trusted sources in hopes of preventing loss of life, injury, damage to property, and mitigating the spread of misinformation during disasters.
This new technology will also allow Governments to send messages in English and a second language to provide accurate, official information to multicultural communities, helping them to understand the risks and make appropriate decisions about their personal safety.
The Albanese Government has also committed $10.1 million to establish a central Taskforce to drive the delivery of a Public Safety Mobile Broadband (PSMB) capability.
A PSMB capability would deliver a mobile broadband service that provides Public Safety Agencies and first responders with fast and secure voice, video and data communications.
Near instant access to data, images and information in critical situations will be enabled along with real time, data-rich analytics, situational awareness and cross-border communications between, for example, ground crews, aerial assets and incident control centres.
This will support the coordination of responses across organisational and geographic boundaries, and enhance Australia’s ability to manage emergencies, hazards and threats.
Communications minister Michelle Rowland said the upgrades would have widespread benefits for Australians.
“The first priority of any government is to keep Australians safe”, Rowland said.
“Being able to communicate effectively – from communities receiving emergency messages as quickly as possible to emergency service operators responding to an event – is critical in ensuring that there is minimal disruption to communities and individuals,” she said.
Minister Watt said the new improvements will keep more people safe in an emergency.
“During a fire, flood or cyclone we know every second is critical, so by giving residents and first responders more warning, we can give people the best chance possible,” Minister Watt said.
“Warning systems involve all levels of government, and I’m very pleased to see a high level of engagement and support across Government for these new capabilities.
“The government is investing in the NMS because emergency messages, alerts and warnings need to be delivered to the public in a timely, accurate and targeted manner, we need the most current technology to achieve this. This will help keep Australians safe and mitigate damage to property.”
The NMS will be designed, built and tested over the next 18 months, becoming operational by late 2024.
In parallel, a national public awareness campaign will be developed and rolled out ahead of implementation, and prior to future high-risk weather seasons.
