Digital radio network set up for G20 summit in Australia's Brisbane

A new digital radio communications network has been established for emergency workers and police for the G20 summit in Brisbane, Australia, the Queensland government announced on Thursday. Queensland IT Minister Ian Walker said earlier the government wireless network allows emergency services to share information instantly and coordinate between multiple agencies during the G20 Summit in November. "The first mobile radios have been installed in two fire service vehicles, 80 police vehicles have the new equipment and the Queensland Police Service has received 100 portable radios in preparation for G20," he said in a statement. The minister said 700 fire, ambulance and police vehicles will have the new equipment installed by August. "The technology boasts impressive noise-canceling and speech clarity features, which filter background noise to help ensure every word is heard during transmission, making sure the personal safety of our police and emergency services personnel is not compromised," he said. Queensland Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Jack Dempsey said radios were the primary means of communication for front-line officers. "Importantly, the government wireless network portable and mobile radios are equipped with GPS-enabled duress alarms to further improve the personal safety of our emergency workers," he said. The Queensland government has announced a range of G20 security measures, including increased police powers, harsher punishments for protesters and mass criminal background checks on residents within the summit zone.