Page 3650 - Week 09 - Tuesday, 23 August 2011
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communications. It did not affect the operation of the call centre or call-taking at the emergency call centre.
As a result of the identification of this problem, a number of windows have been replaced on both the first floor and the ground floor of the ESA headquarters, and I am advised that that has rectified the problem. The problem did not affect mobile phone reception in relation to Telstra but did affect mobile phone reception in relation to Optus, an issue that I also understand is a consequence of Optus not having sufficient mobile tower coverage in the area. Optus itself has indicated it intends to rectify that with an additional mobile phone tower in the Fairbairn precinct.
The cost of the rectification I am advised is in the order of approximately $13,000, and the responsibility for the cost is currently a matter for discussion between the ACT government and the owners of the building, the Capital Airport Group.
MR SPEAKER: Mr Smyth, a supplementary?
MR SMYTH: Yes, Mr Speaker. Minister, when and how did you learn that the windows in the new ESA headquarters had to be replaced?
MR CORBELL: I received a briefing from my directorate.
Mr Seselja: When?
MR CORBELL: After Mr Smyth asked me the question.
MR SPEAKER: Mr Hargreaves, a supplementary question?
MR HARGREAVES: Thanks very much. Minister, has this issue interfered with operational efficiency?
MR CORBELL: I thank Mr Hargreaves for the question. This issue has not interfered with the day-to-day operations of the ESA’s triple zero call-taking centre. Triple zero call taking has not been interfered with in any way, nor has dispatch using the trunk radio network facilities from the ESA headquarters.
The issue has caused some problems in relation to the use of hand-held TRN radios and some pagers and mobile phone equipment in the new building and that is why a number of windows have been replaced to rectify the problem. But at no time has the operational capability of the ESA or any of its agencies been compromised.
MR HANSON: A supplementary.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Mr Hanson.
MR HANSON: Minister, why is it that Mr Smyth seems to know what is going on in your department and you do not?
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