Emergency Broadcasters
The Victorian Government has formal arrangements with a number of media outlets to broadcast emergency warnings and information to the community. During emergencies, the Victorian Emergency Broadcasters will broadcast information to assist the public in making decisions based on the advice of emergency services. If necessary, Emergency Broadcasters will interrupt normal programming on the radio or television station.
Emergency broadcast arrangements with Victoria’s Emergency Services Organisations are formalised through memorandum of understanding (MOU). The MOU facilitates closer working relationships by providing details about the system used to communicate emergency messages.
Mitigation
For mitigation activities, refer directly to the agency for further information.
Response (including Relief)
| Activity | Critical task alignment / activity source |
|---|---|
| Broadcast information that promotes community safety | 2.1 |
| Broadcast weather forecast information from the BoM relevant to developing emergencies | 2.1, 2.3 |
| Broadcast emergency messages (warnings and information) in the form provided by an authorised emergency service representative, interrupting scheduled programming and repeating as required | 2.1, 2.3 |
| Broadcast the Standard Emergency Warning Signal as required, in accordance with the Standard Emergency Warning Signal Guidelines | 2.1, 2.3 |
| Provide continuous broadcast services in parts of Victoria affected by a significant emergency (abandoning scheduled programming) | 2.1, 2.3 |
| Operate and maintain appropriate communication system for authorised emergency service representatives to initiate emergency broadcasts | 3.3, 3.4 |
Recovery
| Activity | Critical task alignment / activity source |
|---|---|
| Support EMV to coordinate relief and recovery communications including public information. Note: Under the ABC’s Editorial Policies, the ABC exercises editorial independence and control over the content the ABC broadcasts or publishes. These policies also apply to the ABC’s emergency broadcasting. When making decisions about content, the ABC consults with the emergency sector and the lead agency, but the ultimate decision of what to broadcast/publish rests with the ABC | 3.2, 3.5 |
Assurance and Learning
| Activity | Critical task alignment / activity source |
|---|---|
| Participate in emergency debrief forums, particularly regarding public information and media issues | 2.4, 21.1 |
The department acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past and present.