Joint media release - Labor's broken promise to deliver a disaster warning messaging system

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

5 March 2025

Labor’s Broken Promise to Deliver a Disaster Warning Messaging System

It is alarming that as a cyclone approaches Queensland a disaster warning text messaging system the Albanese Labor Government promised to be operational in 2024 to keep people safe, has not been delivered.

Unfortunately, it is not surprising the National Messaging System is not available for use. There is a long list of broken promises by the Albanese Labor Government to the Australian people. However, what is most concerning is this is a broken promise about safety.

The Communications and Emergency Management Ministers’ media release of 2023 noted every second counts in communications for communities and first responders for cyclones, fires and floods.

In addition to improving emergency warnings and alerts, the government also committed to improved voice, video and data communications for first responders. It is understood this has not progressed beyond a taskforce.

Shadow Minister for Communications Melissa McIntosh said, “the promised emergency text messaging service not being online in the government’s timeframe is unacceptable.”

“This is another broken promise and big fail from the Albanese Labor Government in the telecommunications space, following the disastrous handling of the 3G network shut down which has let down many regional Australians.

“The government has also promised a Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation with no detail on the technology, timings of the rollout or how much it will cost. Every big announcement that doesn’t get delivered is another signal to the Australian people the Albanese Labor Government just isn’t up to it.”

Shadow Minister for Emergency Management, Perin Davey said it was indicative of the Labor Government’s approach that again they make the announcement but fail to deliver.

“Time and again we have seen the headlines and the promises but not the outcomes,” she said.

“Thankfully the State emergency agencies didn’t shut down their messaging systems believing the NMS would be the solution.

“In the current situation I urge people to check their local SES Facebook and website, tune into the ABC, prepare and act early and check on your neighbours.”