Emergency warning system 'a step closer'

(AAP) - The Rudd government has introduced a bill that would allow state and territory governments to access the nation's telephone database to issue warnings for bushfires and other emergencies.

Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese said a telephone warning system would allow
states and territories to deliver mass outbound messages in the form of recorded
voice announcements or texts in targeted geographic areas.
"Telephony-based emergency warnings would complement existing warning mechanisms
with a view to improving a community's ability to prepare for, and respond to, an
emergency," he said.
The Member for McEwen, Fran Bailey, pointed out that many of the people in her
Victorian electorate would not have been able to receive an early warning signal
during the devastating bushfires due to the poor telecommunications services in
their communities.
Of the 210 people known to have died in the fires, almost all were from McEwen.
The telephone database, called the Integrated Public Number Database, is managed by
Telstra.
Under the proposed changes, only people authorised by the attorney-general during an
emergency would be able to access the database given the personal nature of the
information involved.
People who misused database information could be jailed for up to two years.
Debate on the bill was adjourned.