Speech - Address at the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association Electromagnetic Energy Symposium

Hi, I’m Michelle Rowland, Minister for Communications.

I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and pay respect to Elders past and present, and First Nations people attending.

Thank you for inviting me to say a few words at the Electromagnetic Energy Symposium. 

And to the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) for hosting this important event.

Australia is a global leader in mobile network safety standards.

International bodies such as the International Electrotechnical Commission, recognise our country’s strong regulatory settings around radio frequency and electromagnetic emission safety.

Australia was the first nation to implement a national – and publicly accessible - standards system for electromagnetic and radio frequency emissions.

We have also played a crucial role in the development and expansion of global standards.

This work did not happen overnight, nor without the contribution of industry associations like AMTA, collaborating with its members.

AMTA’s commitment to public safety is demonstrated through initiatives like its Radio Frequency Safety Program.

I also acknowledge the work of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency and the Australian Communications and Media Authority. 

In telecommunications, public safety and reliable connectivity are paramount.

The Albanese Government supported the recent 3G switchover, for example, monitoring closely industry’s efforts to ensure it took place in a safer way. 

The switchover to 4G and 5G is boosting data capacity, speed and capability of mobile networks. This is providing an enhanced experience for Australians who are using more connected devices than ever.

Our Government was particularly concerned about a subset of 4G enabled handsets that could default to 3G for Triple Zero calls due to manufacturer configuration. 

This is why I established a mobile industry Working Group to support public safety related to the 3G switchover.

Industry undertook significant efforts to identify and contact potentially affected customers and share critical information.

As part of this, AMTA launched a free online tool for people to check if their mobile handset may be affected.

Thank you to AMTA – and the mobile network operators – for helping to ensure the safety of Australians.

The switchover was the first in Australia to take place in the era of the Internet of Things. It provided insight into our reliance on wireless connectivity.

In regards to electromagnetic energy, communities often ask why new telecommunication infrastructure is being deployed.

People may not be aware of all the services they use that rely on wireless connectivity.

Communication and education is key here.

We can do better to explain the need for wireless connectivity, how it operates at home and in the community. 

And to outline the research and regulation that demonstrates community safety. 

My Department has evolved the EME Communications Program for this exact purpose.

You will hear more from the Department on where this program is headed during the symposium.

In closing, thank you again to AMTA – the relevant Government agencies and my Department - for your work and commitment in this space.