JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
THE HON MICHAEL KEENAN MP
MINISTER FOR JUSTICE
MINISTER ASSISTING THE PRIME MINISTER FOR COUNTER TERRORISM
24 November 2016
The Minister for Communications, Senator the Hon Mitch Fifield, and the Minister for Justice Michael Keenan, today announced the Australian Government’s response to the Productivity Commission’s report on public safety mobile broadband (PSMB).
The Australian Government requested the Commission undertake a ‘first-principles’ analysis of the best way to deliver a mobile broadband capability for the state and federal public safety agencies by 2020. The Government’s response is informed by state and territory feedback on the report’s recommendations.
The Government supports in principle the Commission’s findings and recommendations.
The Commission’s study found that commercial mobile networks are the most efficient, effective and economical way of delivering a public safety mobile broadband capability.
The Government recognises that mobile broadband offers significant potential to improve the efficiency of the emergency services and the safety of its officers.
We are committed to working with all states and territories towards achieving an interoperable PSMB capability, and will establish a committee of Commonwealth, State and Territory officials to consider fully scoped proposals and report to the Council of Australian Governments in 2017.
The Australian Government thanks the Commission for its comprehensive report and the thorough and consultative approach used in undertaking the commissioned study.
The Commission’s report is available at http://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/completed/public-safety-mobile-broadband/report