SUBJECTS: Better communication tools during natural disasters; new cell broadcast National Messaging System; Public Safety Mobile Broadband (PSMB) capability; vaping; JobSeeker; Budget
EMMA REBELLATO, HOST: Well the Federal Government is set to roll out a state-of-the-art National Messaging System that can send emergency warnings straight to your mobile phone as part of next week's Budget. A further $10.1m will be put towards improving the communications network used by first responders. Emergency Services Minister Murray Watt joins me now from Canberra. Good morning, Minister.
MURRAY WATT, MINISTER FOR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: Good morning, Emma. Good to be with you.
EMMA REBELLATO: So let's start with this messaging system that will be rolled out for people on their mobile phones. How will this work? And why is it better than what's in place now?
MURRAY WATT: Yeah well, today's announcement, Emma, is basically about a big new investment in the communications infrastructure that Australians depend upon in natural disasters. And it's the next step in the Albanese Government's plan to make sure that we're much better prepared for future natural disasters, something we've been working on since the election. So the National Messaging System that you're talking about will basically be a new way of getting instant messages to Australians in disaster situations. And I know, just from personal experience from the disaster communities that I've been to, that one of the biggest complaints people have is that they don't get those emergency warnings quickly enough. In some cases they're sent to the wrong area, they might have the wrong phone provider and then not receive a message. And so that's what this National Messaging System is all about, is having one system across the country that can effectively override a mobile phone system and deliver people very targeted, very quick messages. Because, of course, what we know about disasters is that every minute counts. Every minute that people don't get information is a risk to them and their families. So this kind of system will really smooth up and fasten the process of getting that information out to people.
EMMA REBELLATO: Well every minute counts for first responders as well, What are we going to be seeing with fires that cross state lines? We're seeing firies using different communications, different mapping systems. Will this spend - this over $10 million - will that help to fix that problem?
MURRAY WATT: Yeah that's right, Emma. That's the second part of today's announcement, is that we're taking the next step forward to deliver what's known as a Public Safety Mobile Broadband system. And, as you say, one of the things that we saw in the Black Summer bushfires and was highlighted in the Royal Commission, was that every state has different communication systems that their first responders use. And these days, of course, we know that disasters don't respect state borders, they cross borders. And, of course, we have lots of emergency personnel that get deployed into different states when the need arises. And it's just crazy in this day and age that they don't have communication systems that can talk to each other. So this project will take a little while yet, and what we're announcing today is the creation of a taskforce with funding to take it forward and work with the states and territories. But it's really about making sure that our first responders have the most up-to-date, modern technology to be able to transfer information, satellite imagery, video photography, that kind of thing, so that they can keep themselves safe and also respond much more quickly to disasters.
EMMA REBELLATO: Another big announcement that we've seen today, and we'll hear more about, is these regulations on vaping. We're seeing so many children who have used vapes. The Minister says he wants to stop that from happening. Will this work?
MURRAY WATT: Look, I think we've really got to do something about the rise in vaping in this country, Emma. And I say that both as a parent and as a public official, it's a very big and growing public health problem. I know my son talks about what's happening in his school and he assures me he's not vaping, and I hope he's telling me the truth. But it's a very damaging public health problem, and really, it's the way that big tobacco has found to get around the system and get more kids hooked on nicotine at a very young age. So I think it is really time that we had a crackdown and put in place the kind of restrictions that Mark Butler is talking about, and he'll obviously have more to say about that at the Press Club today.
EMMA REBELLATO: Also, in the Budget which will be unveiled next week, will we be seeing help for families? We know households are doing it extremely tough whether they're renting, or they own a home. RBA is announcing its decision on interest rates today. Families are already doing it tough irrespective of what happens. Will there be help for people in this Budget?
MURRAY WATT: Yeah Emma, you will have heard both Jim Chalmers and Katy Gallagher say that there will be cost of living relief for Australians in the Budget next week. Obviously, we'll have to wait until the Budget to get the details of that, but our entire Government is acutely aware that people are doing it really tough at the moment, and we obviously need to make sure that we run the Budget in a responsible manner. We don't want to add to inflation by throwing money around wildly like we saw from the last Government, but we will be doing everything we possibly can to help people with cost of living. And that's in addition, of course, to the announcements that have been made over the last few days about extra investment in housing, because that's obviously a big issue out there as well.
EMMA REBELLATO: We've heard reports that JobSeeker payments will be going up for those over the age of 55. Is this happening?
MURRAY WATT: Well I've obviously seen those reports as well, Emma, and you wouldn't expect me to confirm anything that may or may not be in the Budget at this point in time. But again, what we've said consistently is that while making sure that we run the Budget in a responsible way we do want to make sure that we're going to do everything we possibly can to help people who are doing it tough out there. So, it's only a week away. We'll have those full details very soon, but people can be assured we're thinking very much about the needs of Australians who are doing it tough as we're framing this Budget.
EMMA REBELLATO: Whether you give us the details or not, welfare payments is something that really does need to be looked at. People have been crying out for an increase. Is the Government listening to them?
MURRAY WATT: Look, I've certainly been having meetings with groups about that myself and I know all of my colleagues are, and all of us, as we deal with constituents, know that people, particularly those on welfare benefits, are finding things really tough at the moment. So, as I say, we've only got a week to go now before announcements will be made. But wherever we can take the opportunity to help people who are suffering disadvantage, we will obviously do that as a Labor government.
EMMA REBELLATO: Minister Murray Watt, thank you for joining us this morning.
MURRAY WATT: Thanks, Emma.
ENDS
