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Emergency Communications

Communications, in particular wireless communications, are critical to the efficient and effective delivery of emergency response and maintaining public safety. In recognition of this critical need, Victoria established in 2001 the State-wide Integrated Public Safety Communications Strategy (SIPSaCS), a ten-year strategic vision and planning framework.  The SIPSaCS provides the focus, coordination and mechanisms to maintain and develop the State's emergency and public safety communications capabilities.

The SIPSaCS is managed by the Department of Justice's Major Procurement Program Office together with the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority, which provides emergency 000 call taking and dispatch operations and manages the State's operational communication facilities. The success of the SIPSaCS also relies on close engagement with public safety and emergency service organisations from the Department of Justice, the Department of Human Services and the Department of Sustainability and Environment.

Under the SIPSaCS the Victorian Government has made significant investment in sustaining emergency and public safety communication facilities, with a number of major upgrades completed since its establishment.

The multi-agency approach promoted by the SIPSaCS is the key to strengthening and enhancing the State's communication capabilities by exploiting the synergies of the various organisations to provide common robust facilities. These facilities maximise value for money and support improved coordinated state-wide operations that meet the expectations of the community.

The continuation of the SIPSaCS ensures that Victoria's emergency service and public safety organisations will continue to meet the increasing demand for emergency response in the future.