Taskforce established to deliver better communication services to first responders

Australia’s first responders will soon be able to access improved communications during an emergency, following the establishment of the Public Safety Mobile Broadband (PSMB) Taskforce. 

The PSMB Taskforce will be responsible for laying the groundwork for the long-term public safety communications infrastructure, prioritising the partnerships with state and territory governments to ensure they have a voice in its design. 

It will also create the framework that drives the delivery of the PSMB to public safety agencies nationally. Currently, public safety agencies rely on land mobile radio networks for their communication needs. These have limited data services, and in many instances, are not enabled for cross-border or cross-organisational communications.  

The PSMB Taskforce will provide fast and secure voice, video and data communications specifically for emergency services, such as fire, ambulance and police.  

Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt said the taskforce would mean improved communications across the different services and geographic boundaries, and therefore a more coordinated response. 

“The Taskforce’s establishment is a landmark step towards making the PSMB a reality, something that emergency services have been requesting for a long time,” Minister Watt said.  

“The Taskforce will establish working groups with representatives from all states and territories, whose ideas and contributions will be critical to the design of the PSMB.” 

Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland said the Government’s investments in emergency and public safety communications will help save lives.  

“Ensuring our heroic first responders have access to reliable communications services during emergencies is critical to keeping Australians safe,” Minister Rowland said.  

“A PSMB capability will enhance Australia’s ability to manage emergencies, hazards and threats by giving emergency services agencies access to data-rich, reliable and modern communications technologies.” 

“The establishment of the Taskforce means we’re a step closer to developing the critical public safety communications infrastructure our first responders need to more effectively respond to emergencies”.  

The Taskforce is led by the Australian Government through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).