Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Furner for his first supplementary question. I have outlined some of the big ongoing investments the Gillard government is making in natural disaster mitigation and resilience. There are also specific projects that make a big difference in rural communities. The Gillard government has invested in world-first technology which will allow emergency services to send text messages. The emergency alert system is rolling out across Australia. So far 7.5 million warning messages have been delivered during more than 500 emergencies across Australia. The $60 million investment to establish and upgrade the emergency alert system will ensure that more voice messages can be delivered to landline phones as well. Getting the message out early in an emergency is essential in ensuring the safety of lives and property. These alerts will complement the existing warnings on websites, radio and television. Hopefully, they will make a difference. (Time expired)