The government is trialling a major change to the national emergency service, for the first time since its launch in 1961.
Around 32,000 people call Triple Zero every single day, and soon Australians might be able to text the emergency service as well.
The Triple Zero Custodian, the federal government body responsible for ensuring the emergency calling system operates effectively, announced on Tuesday that they were looking into whether the system could also support text messages.
Testing is currently underway, and will be conducted in a simulated environment designed to reflect real-world emergency scenarios.
The general public will not be involved in the process, with the government reassuring that the tests will not impact actual emergency calls
Minister for Communications, Anika Wells, said 85 per cent of Triple Zero calls are now made from mobile devices, which is why it is important to review their services.
“Yet much of the regulatory framework for the service was designed for a fixed-line world — which is why the Triple Zero Custodian’s review is important,” she said.
“Being able to text Triple Zero would provide another safe and effective way to contact Triple Zero if people are unable to make a call.
“It’s important this testing is done so any text to Triple Zero service in the future is delivered safely and effectively.”
Wells said the review will identify “any changes needed to make it more effective” and adapt to the telecommunications environment in the future.
“I look forward to receiving its recommendations in the final report next year.”
Image: Theo Ameria / Shutterstock.com
