Mary Fisher (SA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Environment and Communications References Committee for inquiry and report by 2 November 2011:

The capacity of communication networks and emergency warning systems to deal with emergencies and natural disasters, with particular reference to:

(a)

the effectiveness of communication networks, including radio, telephone, Internet and other alert systems (in particular drawing on the spate of emergencies and natural disasters of the 2010/2011 Australian summer):

(i)

in warning of the imminent threat of an impending emergency,

(ii)

to function in a coordinated manner during an emergency, and

(iii)

to assist in recovery after an emergency;

(b)

the impact of extended power blackouts on warning systems for state emergency services, including country fire brigades and landholders or home owners;

(c)

the impact of emergencies and natural disasters on, and implications for, future communication technologies such as the National Broadband Network;

(d)

the scope for better educating people in high-risk regions about the use of communications equipment to prepare for and respond to a potential emergency or natural disaster;

(e)

new and emerging technologies including digital spectrum that could improve preparations for, responses to and recovery from, an emergency or natural disaster; and

(f)

any other relevant matters.

Question agreed to.