What is the National Messaging System (NMS)?

The National Messaging System (NMS) is a new form of message alert system. It brings the advantages of cell-broadcast technology to Australian emergency warnings. Cell-broadcast technology is considered international best practice. It has been adopted by more than 20 countries for emergency warning communications. 

The NMS will allow emergency services across Australia to send targeted warning messages. They will be able to send these messages to compatible mobile phones and other devices in near real time. The system will be more reliable, accurate, and efficient than current systems. This means authorities can reach people quickly when it matters most, helping to save lives and property.

The alerts will include the following information:

• the type of emergency
• where it is
• how serious it is
• what response is needed
• where more information can be found.

Emergencies in which the NMS may be used

• natural hazards (such as fire, flood, cyclone, and tsunami)
• public safety and security threats (such as public violence incidents, terrorism)
• biosecurity incidents (such as biohazard, animal, and plant disease outbreaks)
• health emergencies (such as pandemics or other national public health issues).

Benefits of the NMS

Cell-broadcast technology is not only more efficient. It's also safer, more private, and more secure. Once active, the NMS will have the following benefits:

• Speed and efficiency: alerts can be sent to everyone in the targeted area at the same time - reaching millions of devices in near real time.
• Increased reliability: cell-broadcast technology works even when the network is busy. It does not contribute to network congestion.
• National reach: alerts can be sent to all SIM-enabled devices within a specific area. Or they can be sent to the entire nation at the same time, if necessary.
• Geospatial/location targeting: messages are sent to mobile devices within defined geographic areas. This may be locally, regionally, or across the nation. NMS will only notify people within the affected area.
• Accuracy: the NMS will be able to target messages to areas to within 160 metres.
• Data privacy: phone numbers and location data are not collected or retained.
• Secure: messages can only be sent through an authorised server. This keeps the messages secure and protects against scammers.
• No opt-in needed: all compatible devices receive alerts. There is no need to sign up or register.
• Internationally proven: cell broadcast technology is used around the world. Public messaging and alerting systems exist in more than 20 other countries.
• Sound-based ‘wake-up’ alert: the NMS has an in-built ability to bypass do-not-disturb settings. This can save lives by waking up community members who might otherwise be sleeping.

The NMS will also have the ability to schedule message delivery. This means anyone entering the area during a period of time after the original message is sent will also receive the emergency message.

Delivery of the NMS

The system design is currently underway. We are working towards a delivery date of late 2025. There will be local community test alerts issued late next year, followed by a national test. We will communicate with involved communities ahead of testing.

To begin, the NMS will operate at the same time as Australia’s current Emergency Alert system. Over time a streamlined national warning system will incorporate both systems.

The NMS is being developed to align with the Australian Warning System. This is to ensure a nationally consistent approach to emergency warnings. 

Messages will initially be English-language messages. Over the long term, the NMS will be able to include information in many languages. The alerts will be accessible to people with hearing difficulties or cognitive disabilities.

Background

The introduction of the NMS responds to the 2020 Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements. It found that emergency warning systems are critical for governments to deliver warnings. 

The Australian Government funded the NMS in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 Budgets. The system is being co-delivered by NEMA and the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (DITRDCA). It is being co-designed with relevant Commonwealth, state, and territory government agencies. This includes emergency service organisations.

This collaboration will help ensure coordinated and appropriate use of the NMS. It recognises the leading role state and territory emergency services play. 

The implementation of the NMS will also include ongoing care of the system. There will be network integration and national operating protocols created. They will govern the use of the NMS, the national testing process, and a training program.