SUBJECT/S: AusAlert
Host, Ross Solly: So, you might have heard me mentioning to our Chief Police Officer Scott Lee, earlier this morning about the AusAlert test, which is coming up very, very soon. There are some reports today that it might have to be put back because there are some concerns in some parts of Australia whether they're ready to go or not. Kristy McBain is the Minister and joins us this morning. Minister McBain, thanks for joining us on the Brekkie Show. Are you, as far as you're concerned, is it still all systems go? Will it still be happening when it's meant to be happening?
Minister for Emergency Services Kristy McBain: Well, good morning. It's great to be with you, Ross. The AusAlert system is still being tested. Obviously, we've got our national test which is due to occur on the 27th of July at 2pm and then it will be available for use from October this year. Obviously it is a new system though, so we had always intended to keep the current system, emergency alert, running in parallel with AusAlert, just to make sure that each agency is able to access the full number of people they need to over this high-risk weather season as we embed AusAlert protocols.
Solly: So, there's no talk at all about putting back any of the tests as far as you're concerned, there's absolutely no reason why they shouldn't go ahead as planned?
McBain: No. We've now done nine community-based trials across each state and territory, including a cross-border trial. All of those trials were successful in their implementation. We'll obviously test the critical alert system for the national test on 27 July and put in place any learnings that we need to with telco providers and with phone manufacturers. But it is really important, I think, that we utilise a technology that is far superior to what's currently available through emergency alert. And each state and territory have commissioned a report that shows that cell broadcast technology, which AusAlert will use, is a far superior capability. It's about working out those transition protocols as we get to it.
Solly: Couple of questions that have arisen. Some people during the first test were wondering what they're meant to do if they're driving when they receive the alerts, because, as you know, Kristy McBain, the police and the authorities take a very dim view of people who are grabbing their phones or doing anything while they're driving. What's your advice to people in that situation?
McBain: Look, obviously on the 27th of July, there will be a test. All that test will do is alert the user with that siren, and the notification that comes up on the home screen says, we are testing AusAlert. You do not need to take any further action. Obviously in a real emergency there is a range of other information that's already going to be out there for community members through emergency broadcasts, through their local emergency service agencies, through the information that they'll be seeing in and around them. If they do receive an alert, it's because there is something in their immediate vicinity. The good thing about cell broadcast technology is that we can geolocate down to an area of 160 metres from where an incident is occurring, so literally street by street. So, it is a much more targeted system that will allow people to understand what's happening.
Solly: But that doesn't answer the problem, though, of if someone's driving along and they receive an alert, I mean, should they grab. What should they do? How can they take it if they're driving along and it comes up on their phone?
McBain: That siren will signal through their car, if their car is a smart connected through their phone and that notification will be read.
Solly: Yeah, but how can they do that while they're driving?
McBain: Well, it will come through their car stereo system. Depending on the features of that phone, that notification may be read out loud through their phone speakers.
Solly: So, they won't need to grab their phone or anything, it'll just come out automatically. There'll be no need for them to grab hold of their phone to open it up or anything like that. They'll just hear it coming on their phone.
McBain: It will depend on the device itself. Some may just sound the alarm, some may read out the notification through their phone being connected to the car itself. Otherwise, alternatively, you can always pull over.
Solly: Yes. And maybe that might be the best thing to do. The other thing which people are concerned, and I know that we've been talking about this before, Kristy McBain, are you satisfied now you've got the situation sorted with people who have second phones for reasons, for very good reasons in some circumstances. Are you satisfied that you've got that situation sorted now?
McBain: We have done a lot of work with a range of providers through family and domestic violence circles to make sure that information is being given to people. We've done a lot of work in CALD communities, with the disability community, with the aged care community around the test that is coming. And if people do not want to receive that alert, they'll need to put their phone in aeroplane mode or turn it off an hour before the test to make sure that they don't receive that alert. And we are recommending people leave that phone off for 24 hours.
Solly: All right. Good on you. Thank you, Kristy McBain. Appreciate it.
