The Prime Minister admitted today that he has failed to launch the National Messaging System (NMS) in time for the cyclone that is bearing down on Queensland and New South Wales.
Melissa McIntosh MP
Shadow Minister for Communications
Shadow Minister for Western Sydney
Federal Member for Lindsay
Senator Perin Davey
Deputy Leader of The Nationals
Shadow Minister for Emergency Management
Shadow Minister for Water
Senator for New South Wales
The Prime Minister admitted today that he has failed to launch the National Messaging System (NMS) in time for the cyclone that is bearing down on Queensland and New South Wales.
In May 2023, the Communications Minister and then Emergency Management Minister committed to the Australian public the NMS would be operational by the end of 2024. We now understand the system will not be live until mid to late 2027.
The CommsDay publication has revealed today that industry sources are outraged with the lack of progress from the Albanese Labor Government on delivering the NMS.
The Coalition understands contracts have only just been signed to deliver the first stage of this vitally important initiative, which is a long way from the promised delivery time.
The NMS was first funded by the Morrison government in the 2022 Budget and was created to ensure reliable emergency mobile communications to communities impacted by natural disasters.
Shadow Minister for Communications Melissa McIntosh said it is outrageous the Albanese Labor Government has failed to deliver the NMS for emergency alerts on time as promised.
“Today’s admission by the Prime Minister that his government couldn’t get the job done on time to deliver the NMS is extraordinary. This wasn’t a priority and demonstrates the absolute lack of action to get this vital service running for those in need,” said Mrs McIntosh.
“The Prime Minister said the NMS has been complex to deliver. If so, why did his Ministers announce in 2023 the project would be done by 2024? The Ministers responsible should have come clean and told the public the project is heavily delayed. We are now hearing the NMS won’t be delivered until 2027.
“It is unacceptable that the Albanese Labor Government has bungled yet another important delivery in the Communications portfolio, just like the 3G network shutdown.
“Around four million Australians could be in harm’s way with Tropical Cyclone Alfred, yet they won’t have the NMS to assist in providing them with the most up-to-date messaging service information in this time of need.
Shadow Minister for Emergency Management Perin Davey said the NMS has joined the Public Safety Mobile Broadband (PSMB) in the Albanese Government’s too hard or don’t care basket.
"Both the NMS and PSMB were identified as essential disaster communication tools in the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements. Yet, five years on, there has been no progress," Senator Davey said.
"In the absence of a national system, I encourage Australians to stay informed by monitoring their local SES warnings, following official advice, and being prepared."