The Australian Government regulates public exposure to electromagnetic emissions (EME) from communications equipment such as mobile towers, including 5G deployments. Exposure to EME is an important health issue and a highly technical area. For this reason, governments appropriately rely on the advice of their scientific and technical regulators.

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) is the expert body on the health effects from EME produced by communications equipment. Once ARPANSA set EME limits through a safety standard, these safeguards are then incorporated by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) into transmitter licence conditions that apply to mobile and other operators that use the radiofrequency spectrum. The limits are set well below the level at which adverse health effects may occur, and cover the operating frequencies used by 5G technology.

Before building new mobile phone base stations, mobile phone companies must generally consult with the community and produce an EME report. It should also be noted that while the ACMA is responsible for managing spectrum, it is not an expert body on the health effects of EME.

If you have questions about the adequacy of EME limits in relation to 5G, I recommend you contact ARPANSA on 1800 022 333. ARPANSA do offer opportunities for members of the public to speak directly with their scientists. Further information about 5G can be found on the ARPANSA website through this link.

Labor is also aware of claims circulating over digital platforms that purport a link between 5G, coronavirus and the human immune system. We categorically reject this linkage and note it has no basis in fact.

We urge community members concerned about EME to act responsibly and not forward misinformation of this nature, as that could interfere with the Government’s response to COVID-19 as well as create unnecessary anxiety.