New numbers and improvements for 000 services

Peter Dinham
Friday, 11 November 2011 15:17

IT Policy - Government Tech Policy

The triple zero emergency telephone services across Australia will be improved and strengthened so they are better equipped to deal with increased demand during disasters, in plans announced by the federal government today.

The Australian and New Zealand governments, in a joint decision taken at a meeting of the Standing Council on Police and Emergency Management, have agreed to implement improvements to their respective national triple zero services.

Australia's Attorney-General, Robert McClelland said today the decisions will improve the way emergency call service operates in all Australian states and territories.

'Triple Zero plays a crucial role in managing disaster response and it will now be better equipped to deal with increased demand during disasters. Ministers agreed that all States and Territories will soon use a single national State and Territory Emergency Services phone number, 132 500, and non-emergency Police Assistance phone number, 131 444.

'Having one nationwide number to call when you need assistance in non-life threatening or non-time critical situations will make it easier for people to remember and use wherever they are in Australia.

'In addition, Ministers agreed to introduce recorded voice announcements (RVAs) for triple zero providing direction for people to call State or Territory Emergency Services, or Police Assistance national numbers if they do not require urgent assistance from police, fire or ambulance.'

Mr McClelland said that, as nearly half of all calls to Triple Zero are non-urgent or people seeking information, 'these measures will go a long way to help ease the burden on Triple Zero.'

Recent floods, fires and storms across Australia have seen Triple Zero face unprecedented call volumes.  'Triple Zero should only be dialled in emergencies that are life-threatening or for time-critical situations requiring a rapid response from police, fire or ambulance services.

'We are ensuring that people with genuine need are able to access emergency assistance swiftly whilst people who require access to appropriate sources of information and non-emergency assistance are also accommodated,' Mr McClelland said.

Ministers from both countries also agreed to build on progress by looking at setting up an all hazards Emergency Information hotline.  'This is telephone hotline would give people a single number to call about information for floods, bushfire and other serious events,' Mr McClelland said.

Ministers also agreed to develop national standardised qualifications for police, fire and ambulance Triple Zero call takers and improved operability of communications systems that will assist Triple Zero services at times of high demand.

'All of these initiatives will ultimately see an improved service for the public during what can be very distressing times,' the Minister added.