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Public information

Communication during an incident

In the event of an act of terrorism in NSW there will be public demand to know what police and other emergency services are doing to ensure the well-being and safety of citizens. For example, the coordinated evacuation and transport of citizens from an impacted area is likely to be a key communication priority.

A significant and coordinated public information plan will be activated to ensure the public is made aware of the activities of responding agencies, and is given advice on what people should do.

The intention of authorities following a terrorist attack will be to provide the community of NSW with as much factual information as possible in a timely manner. While there is no one way of communicating with everyone, media in all forms (TV, radio, print and websites) will play a significant role.

All Australian states, territories and the Commonwealth have agreed on the following principles for media coordination:

  • In the event of a terrorist attack the Premier will be the official NSW Government spokesperson for the state and the Prime Minister will speak on behalf of the Australian Government
  • There will be high level and ongoing liaison between the states/territories and the Commonwealth during and after an attack – this will include telephone hook–ups of the National Counter–Terrorism Committee and the exchange of information between the Public Affairs Unit in the Australian Government Attorney–General’s Department and the NSW Public Information Functional Area Coordinator
  • If a ‘National Terrorist Situation’ is declared, NSW Government agencies will continue to have operational responsibility for public information prior to, during and after any attack within the state

There are plans to provide vital information and direction to the community in the event of an incident. NSW agencies will manage any incident that occurs within the state.

Government agency spokespeople will take the lead in providing information to the media on all operational aspects of the response.

Public Information Coordination Centre

Should a terrorist attack occur, the NSW Government will establish a Public Information Coordination Centre (PICC) to provide the community with information and warnings as required. The centre will be staffed by representatives from the major responding agencies and will develop general information and public education material for broadcast by the media. Agencies maintain responsibility for provision of information to the community relating to their area of responsibility.

The PICC will coordinate the preparation of official announcements and public safety messages and work with the media to gain their assistance during an incident.

Other communication channels 

secureNSW

The NSW Government has developed this website to provide information on counter terrorism issues. secureNSW will carry the most up to date emergency information in the event of a terrorist incident.

This site will also provide links to alternate sources of information, such as telephone numbers and other websites. Websites maintained by NSW agencies including NSW Police Force, NSW Fire Brigades and NSW Health will also provide information.

sydneyALERT

sydneyALERT is a free, opt–in community warning service provided to Sydney and North Sydney CBD building managers, security teams and fire wardens. sydneyALERT sends out  email and text messages from the NSW Police Force in the event of a significant incident within the Sydney and/or North Sydney CBD.

Information provided could include directions on evacuation or shelter–in–place instructions, or information on transport closure. Register online for membership at: www.sydneyalert.nsw.gov.au/sydneyalert

Channel NSW

The NSW Government is currently a participant in a Commonwealth trial of digital television. Channel NSW delivers government and public information. The channel may be used for the broadcast of public messages in the event of a significant incident. Should this occur, media outlets will be advised of the announcements prior to their broadcast on Channel NSW.