Given that, according to the foreword and annexes of the new Radiation Protection Standard RPS3 - Maximum Exposure Levels to Radiofrequency Fields - 3 kHz to 300 GHz, approved by Dr John Loy on 7 May 2002, research papers indicate adverse health problems from extremely low levels of radiofrequency (RF) energy, which have neither been confirmed nor denied:

(1) How will the Australian Communications Authority (ACA) handle these uncertainties when it integrates the levels specified in the standard into the regulatory framework.

(2) Will there be references in the regulations to: (a) the research papers; (b) the precautionary measures contained in clause 5.7(e) of the standard; and (c) the annexes at the back of the standard.

(3) Why has the ACA used only selected parts of the RF standard in regulating the mobile phone and broadcasting industries.

(4) What protection is now offered regarding occupational exposure to workers in these industries since the sections relating to occupational exposure have not been taken up by ACA.

(5) Why did the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency agree to selective use of parts of the standard.

(1) The Australian Communications Authority (ACA) has advised me that the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) is the Commonwealth agency with statutory responsibility to provide advice on safe radiation exposure limits. The ACA also advises that in setting the exposure limits published in Radiation Protection Standard 3 (RPS 3), ARPANSA reviewed all the relevant scientific literature and ARPANSA incorporated significant safety margins into RPS 3 to address any uncertainties. The ACA further advises that, following consultation, it decided on 27 February 2003 to adopt those parts of the ARPANSA standard relevant to the regulation of radiofrequency exposure in the communications industry and mandated the exposure limits, as published by ARPANSA in RPS 3, in to its new legislative instruments - Radiocommunications (Electromagnetic Radiation - Human Exposure) Standard 2003 and Radiocommunications Licence Conditions (Apparatus Licence) Determination 2003. The new ACA EME regulations came into effect on 1 March 2003.

(2) No. However, I am advised by the ACA that the new legislative instruments make reference to where the full ARPANSA standard may be obtained. I am also advised that RPS 3 is available at no cost to the public from the ARPANSA website at www.arpansa.gov.au.

(3) I am advised by the ACA that the Radiocommunications (Electromagnetic Radiation - Human Exposure) Standard 2003 will regulate the performance of particular mobile radiocommunications transmitters to protect the health and safety of persons exposed to electromagnetic radiation from the transmitters. The ACA has also advised that the Radiocommunications Licence Conditions (Apparatus Licence) Determination 2003 (and related conditions on licences requiring compliance with this Determination) will also apply to a range other transmitters. The ACA, in making its new EME regulations, adopted as recommended by ARPANSA those parts of the ARPANSA standard relevant to the regulation of radiofrequency exposure in the communications industry.

(4) The ACA has advised that Commonwealth, State and Territory occupational health and safety legislation requires employers to ensure the workplace is safe for employees and that the Authority defers to Commonwealth, State and Territory OH&S regulators on occupational exposure matters.

(5) The issues raised in this part of the question relate to ARPANSA and are matters for the Minister for Health and Ageing to address. I am advised that the same question was put to the Minister for Health and Ageing on 6 December 2002 in Senate Question 998. I am also advised that a reply to this Question was provided on 16 January 2003 by the Minister for Health and Ageing and published in the Senate Hansard of 4 February 2003 (page 8481).