Emergency response goes digital for G20

Cutting edge technology will help Queensland’s emergency workers keep people safe with the installation of Government Wireless Network radios.

Minister for Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts Ian Walker said the new digital radio communications network brings police, fire and ambulance services onto the same platform and frequency.

“We promised at the election to revitalise frontline services and the Government Wireless Network delivers on that commitment,” Mr Walker said.

“It allows Emergency Services to share information instantly and coordinate between multiple agencies during significant events such as the G20 Summit in November.

“The first mobile radios have been installed in two fire service vehicles, 80 police vehicles have the new equipment and the Queensland Police Service has received 100 portable radios in preparation for G20.

“We expect that 700 fire, ambulance and police vehicles will have the new equipment installed by August 2014.

“The technology boasts impressive noise cancelling and speech clarity features which filter background noise to help ensure every word is heard during transmission, making sure the personal safety of our police and emergency services personnel is not compromised.

“It’s another great example of how the Queensland government is working with the private sector to deliver effective services for Queenslanders through innovative partnerships.”

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Jack Dempsey said radios were the primary means of communication for frontline officers.

“Current radio networks are based on analogue technologies and have been developed independently, resulting in a number of separate and disjointed radio networks in Queensland,” Mr Dempsey said.

“Importantly, the Government Wireless Network portable and mobile radios are equipped with GPS-enabled duress alarms to further improve the personal safety of our emergency workers.”

Paul Geason, Telstra Group Managing Director, Global Enterprise and Services, said real time communication was of paramount importance when it came to responding to emergencies and managing the safety of the public.

“This stage of the roll out utilises the network’s full capabilities and Telstra is fully committed to the successful deployment of the solution in the coming months to help enable cross agency collaboration,” Mr Geason said.

The GWN will be implemented to support the G20 meetings in Cairns and Brisbane this year, followed by widespread deployment across South East Queensland, to be completed by 2016.

[ENDS] 20 March 2014

Media Contact:

Minister Walker’s office         Alexandria Bernard    0417 252 563

Minister Dempsey’s office      Andrew Blow             0408 912 821