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The federal government has announced new regulations targeting the triple-zero emergency service, following consultations with top executives from major telecommunications companies at Parliament House in response to significant service disruptions.
The CEOs of Optus, Telstra and TPG arrived in Canberra this morning for a meeting with Communications Minister Anika Wells.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the minister, I’m sure it’ll be a productive meeting,” Optus CEO Stephen Rue said as he arrived.
Legislation will soon be introduced to strengthen the authority of a triple-zero overseer. This role will be tasked with gathering information from telecom providers to evaluate triple-zero service stability, spot potential threats, react swiftly to any disruptions, and implement necessary improvements.
“We know Australians’ confidence in triple zero has been shaken, and it’s vital that it’s rebuilt,” Wells said.
“These enhanced powers for the triple-zero overseer will ensure that Australians receive vigilant and effective oversight of this crucial service, ensuring it adequately fulfills community requirements,” officials stated.
The new rules, which will come into effect on November 1, will also force telcos to test triple-zero calls during upgrades and maintenance.
“Resilience is of utmost importance, and emergency services play a critical role, so the discussion was highly productive,” commented Rue as he left Parliament House.
