Although the road rules are meant to be the same across Australia, each state does have the power to make rules that apply on in their state.   On 1 November some new Road Rules will come into effect in NSW; the changes are contained in the Road Amendment (Miscellaneous) Rules 2012 (NSW).  One area of interest for the drivers of emergency vehicles is the rule 300 that relates to the use of mobile phones.  A brochure issued by Roads and Maritime Services says:

Use of mobile phones

While a vehicle is moving or stationary (but not parked), a driver may only use a mobile phone to make or receive a call or use the audio playing function:

• If the mobile phone is secured in a fixed mounting; or

• If not in a mounting, use of the mobile phone must not require a driver to touch or manipulate the…