David Feeney (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

I guess, Senator Ludlam, that you are interested in the 400-megahertz band. On the 400-megahertz band the government has already made significant progress through the COAG process—which I think you touched upon, Senator Ludlam-to deliver an agreed national framework for improved radio communications interoperability. In April 2010, the ACMA announced arrange­ments for the provision of harmonised spectrum for use by government agencies in the 400-megahertz band. Under those arrangements, several segments in the 403-megahertz to 470-megahertz frequency range were identified for the exclusive use of government. That exclusive use is primarily to support national security, law enforcement and emergency services but is also available to support broader government use once those core requirements have been compre­hensively met. Provision of this dedicated spectrum for emergency services require­ments in the 400-megahertz band will ensure interoperability of voice networks between different state jurisdictions. These arrange­ments complement the objectives developed by COAG under the national framework.

In conclusion, the government remains committed to supporting the needs of public safety agencies, and the government will continue to work with the states and territories to determine the most efficient and effective communications network to meet Australia's emergency management and public safety needs.