Peak communications consumer body ACCAN has welcomed the Minister for Communications\u2019, Anika Wells MP, announcement today of the imminent commencement of a comprehensive review of Australia\u2019s Triple Zero (000) legislative and regulatory framework. This is a key step towards strengthening public safety and rebuilding national trust in the emergency call system.<\/p>\n
Speaking at an event in Canberra, the Minister confirmed that the forthcoming review will implement Recommendation 18 of the Review into the Optus outage of 8 November 2023.<\/p>\n
The Minister called for \u201ca comprehensive review of Triple Zero legislation and regulations\u202fis\u202fa key\u202fstep in rebuilding public confidence in the system and ensuring we have the right framework to reduce the risk of a major outage happening again.\u201d<\/p>\n
It is understood that this review will draw upon lessons from the 2023 and 2025 outages as well as device issues that have stemmed from the 3G shutdown.<\/p>\n
\u201cLet me make it very clear. This is of the upmost importance to me, the government, and most importantly the Australian people,\u201d the Minister said. \u201cWe must do everything in our power to ensure Triple Zero remains reliable, resilient, and fit for purpose \u2013 now and into the future.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut that trust is fragile. It must be earned and\u202fmaintained, and right now it must be rebuilt.\u201d<\/p>\n
ACCAN also welcomed the Minister\u2019s commitment to putting people first, including managing spectrum in the public interest, and ensuring the needs of underserved communities are met.<\/p>\n
Responding to the Minister announcement, ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett said today\u2019s announcement aligns with long\u2011standing calls for stronger consumer protections and a more resilient emergency communications system.<\/p>\n
\u201cAustralians must be able to rely on emergency services when they need them most. Triple Zero failures cost lives, and consumers need to know that they can contact emergency services every single time,\u201d Ms Bennett said.<\/p>\n
\u201cACCAN welcomes a holistic review of the Triple Zero system. Each outage has dramatic consequences, and it is important to learn from these tragedies and strengthen the frameworks that are meant to keep people safe.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Bennett said Australians expect action and real accountability.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have been clear: Australians should not be paying high prices for poor services. Consumers deserve reliable coverage, strong standards for mobile services, and consequences when those standards aren\u2019t met.\u201d<\/p>\n
The review comes at a time when major decisions are being made across the communications landscape, with significant implications for public safety.<\/p>\n
\u201cSpectrum licences are being renewed, and telcos are set to receive substantial discounts on their use of public assets. If telcos receive discounted access, Australians should see clear improvements in return \u2014 not more excuses, not more outages,\u201d Ms Bennett said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is an opportunity to reset expectations across the sector. A review that puts people first is essential, and ACCAN will continue to push for reliable services most people can safely rely on.\u201d<\/p>\n
The review is an important opportunity to close long\u2011recognised gaps in device compatibility, network redundancy, regulatory responsibilities, and service continuity during major outages.<\/p>\n
ACCAN looks forward to handing appropriate input in this important review.<\/p>\n