Telstra not to be trusted with Triple Zero, says Senate inquiry

A Senate inquiry into the Triple Zero emergency call system has delivered its final report, urging sweeping reforms to prevent future crises. The inquiry, chaired by Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, began as an investigation into Optus' massive network outage in September 2025 but expanded to cover issues with other major telcos and mobile devices.

The report calls for Telstra's control of the Triple Zero system to be removed and nationalized to ensure the system's reliability. The inquiry also recommends creating a new national authority to oversee emergency call operations, currently handled by Telstra. This role involves answering Triple Zero calls and transferring them to local emergency services.

Advocates have pushed for domestic roaming, allowing customers to access another company's network if their telco's service is unavailable. However, Telstra previously warned that roaming could cause problems during major outages by placing extraordinary demand on remaining networks. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) previously rejected this idea, citing its negative impact on telcos' investment incentives. However, the watchdog is now reconsidering the notion as part of a new inquiry.

The committee has also advocated for an independent review of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to ensure it has the necessary powers, resources, and regulatory approach to effectively oversee the Triple Zero system. The regulator should be granted the ability to compel evidence from telcos during investigations and enforcement.