Optus experienced a severe disruption in their emergency network, impacting four states and resulting in three fatalities, while Telstra also faced smaller outages during this period.

On Sunday, Wells requested a meeting with Optus CEO Stephen Rue, Telstra CEO Vicki Brady, and TPG Telecom CEO Inaki Berroeta, the owner of Vodafone. This meeting, set to coincide with parliament’s session in Canberra, aims to secure commitments that the essential emergency system will remain reliable, especially with the upcoming bushfire and cyclone seasons.

Wells noted, “Starting November 1, new regulations require carriers to disclose real-time network outage details to relevant emergency services and the Australian Communications and Media Authority.”

Recently appointed after the Federal election, Wells emphasized that the delay in enforcing past recommendations wasn’t the main cause of the current outages, attributing primary responsibility to Optus.

“This is a catastrophic failure on the part of Optus,” she said.

She stated, “Optus has acknowledged several internal issues that led to the disruptions weeks ago. My responsibility is to ensure they rectify these and face appropriate consequences to uphold accountability to Australian taxpayers.”

Wells is also set to announce a new triple zero watchdog in parliament this week, which will increase government oversight of the emergency system around the country.

“On November 1, new rules mean carriers must share real-time network information detailing outages with relevant emergency services organisations and other appropriate entities including the Australian Communications and Media Authority,” Wells wrote.

Shadow Communications Minister Melissa McIntosh has criticised Wells for not making the meeting a public one, claiming it is in the public’s interest given the serious nature of the recent triple zero outages.

“The contents of tomorrow’s meetings should be made available to the public,” she said. “It is up to the Minister to explain to Australians what she is doing to make sure confidence is restored in our triple zero network.”

“At the very least, the Minister should front the Australian public afterwards and explain what actions she is making the telcos take to ensure the community has a fully functioning triple zero system.”

Wells’ office has been contacted for comment.