Triple Zero is an essential community service. All Australians must have confidence they can reach emergency services when in need.
An accessible and reliable Triple Zero service depends on multiple organisations working effectively and efficiently together. Key stakeholders in this Triple Zero ecosystem include:
- The Emergency Call Person (ECP), which operates the service that answers calls to Triple Zero and transfers them, with relevant information, to the requested emergency service organisation (Police, Fire and Ambulance). Telstra is the ECP for Triple Zero.
- Emergency Service Organisations (Police, Fire and Ambulance) are operated by each state and territory to protect the life and property of all Australians. After the ECP has taken a call, they will hand it to the relevant emergency service organisation to action.
- Telecommunications carriers and providers, which provide the services and networks that enable calls to Triple Zero. There are laws and regulation in place that require telecommunications carriers and providers to support continued access to Triple Zero and the effective operation of the Triple Zero system.
- The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), the Commonwealth statutory authority responsible for overseeing and regulating the telecommunications industry in Australia, including Triple Zero.
The Triple Zero Custodian (the Custodian) has been established to oversee the Triple Zero ecosystem to ensure it is operating effectively – and it is coordinated, connected and responsive. The Custodian was established within the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts in March 2025.
The Australian Government has passed legislation to bolster the powers of the Custodian. The Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Triple Zero Custodian and Emergency Calling Powers) Act 2025 cements the Custodian as a permanent mechanism to oversee the Triple Zero system, and work with all participants to proactively ensure it delivers when needed for Australians.
Questions regarding the Custodian can be directed to TZC@infrastructure.gov.au.