A Parliament-first inquiry into 5G mobile technology in Australia
tabled its report in the House yesterday.
“The Committee heard that Australia has the opportunity to be a 5G world leader. A number of organisations told us that 5G is essential if we are to be a global competitor in food and wine production, entertainment, automated vehicles and IT, among other sectors.”
“We also heard that there is a high level of concern among some members of the community who are worried that 5G is a risk to human health. The Committee received assurances from Australian Government agencies and researchers that 5G is a safe technology, and the safety standards in place are more than able to make sure that health is not affected when 5G is deployed”.
- The speedy allocation of spectrum needed for 5G;
- Reviews of the low impact facilities framework for the 5G environment, and carrier powers and immunities, particularly the timeframes for raising objections;
- Better management of ageing and redundant mobile network infrastructure and equipment;
- A focus on road and transport safety standards, with carriers working alongside state and territory road and transport authorities;
- The installation of multiuser infrastructure, and conducting of 5G trials, in rural and regional areas;
- The Australian Government encourage manufacturing of 5G infrastructure in Australia, with potential partnerships with the United Kingdom, United States of America, New Zealand and Canada;
- The establishment of a 5G R&D Innovation Fund;
- A focus on Cyber Supply Chain Risk Management, including a review of the current legislative arrangements for network and data security for the supply of 5G equipment;
- Better consultation between Australian Government agencies and members of the community concerned about the deployment of 5G;
- A focus on ensuring that the ICT workforce is appropriately skilled, by lifting apprenticeships and working with curriculum-setters;
- Campaigns to increase local government and enterprise awareness of 5G.