Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia's main emergency telephone number is 000, also known as Triple Zero. This number was introduced in 1961 and is used to contact the police, fire, or ambulance services. The number 911, while widely recognised due to American media, is not used for emergency services in Australia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Emergency telephone number in Australia | 000 |
| Other emergency service numbers | 112, 106 |
| Service name | Triple Zero |
| Operated and maintained by | Telstra |
| Cost to call | Free |
| SIM card requirement | Not required for mobile and satellite phones |
| Interpreter services | Available |
| Non-English speakers | Automatically connected to the police in their state or territory |
| Location services | iPhone, Apple Watch, and Android smartphones can automatically determine the caller's location |
| Exceptions | Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Norfolk Island have their own Triple Zero infrastructure |
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What You'll Learn
Australia's emergency number is 000, not 911
The Triple Zero service is free to call from any fixed or mobile phone and certain VoIP and satellite services. Calls can be made without unlocking the keypad or entering a PIN, and even if the caller's mobile provider does not have network coverage in the area, the call will be carried on any available mobile network. However, the caller must be in the coverage area of one of the mobile providers in Australia to make emergency calls.
When dialling 000, the caller will first hear a recorded message confirming that they have reached the emergency service. They will then be connected to a Telstra operator, who will ask whether they need the police, fire services, or an ambulance. The operator will request the state and town of the caller and stay on the line until the caller is connected to the relevant emergency service.
In addition to 000, Australia has two other emergency service numbers. 106 is a text-based emergency service for people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment and can only be used with a teletypewriter (TTY) or a device for the deaf. 112 is an international standard emergency number that will automatically transfer callers to Australia's 000 service, but it can only be dialled on a digital mobile phone.
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000 is free to call 24/7 from any phone in Australia
Australia's main emergency service number is Triple Zero, or 000. This number is free to call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from anywhere in Australia. It is operated and maintained by Telstra, Australia's former national telecommunications company.
The number 000 was chosen for several reasons. Firstly, it suited the dialling system for the most remote automatic exchanges, particularly those in outback Queensland. Communities in remote areas used the digit 0 to select an automatic trunk line to a centre, and in some cases, two 0s had to be dialled to reach a main centre. Therefore, dialling 0+0 plus another 0 would connect the caller to an operator. Secondly, the number 0 is the closest to the finger stall on rotary dial phones, making it easy to dial in the dark or in an environment with smoke.
When you dial 000, you will first hear the recorded message, 'You have dialled emergency Triple Zero. Your call is being connected.' Your call is then answered by a Telstra operator who will ask whether you need the police, fire brigade, or ambulance service. You may also be asked to give the state and town you are calling from. The operator will then connect you to the emergency service you requested and will stay on the line with you until your call is answered.
It is important to note that 911, the emergency number used in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Philippines, will not redirect to 000 in Australia. Therefore, it is crucial to remember to dial 000 in the event of an emergency when in Australia.
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Telstra operates the Triple Zero service
Australia's emergency telephone number is 000, not 911. 911 is the emergency number in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Philippines.
Telstra, Australia's former national telecommunications company, operates and maintains the Triple Zero service. When someone calls Triple Zero, specialist Telstra call takers are the first to answer. They then transfer the call to the relevant state emergency service operator. Telstra supports emergency calls in Australia and provides location services and assistance during outages or network issues.
Telstra has been recognised for its strong record of compliance in its role as the national Triple Zero operator. The company has also been acknowledged for its efforts to keep the public informed during outages. However, Telstra has faced penalties for failing to comply with emergency call rules during an incident in which its Triple Zero call centre was disrupted, resulting in failed transfers to emergency services.
Telstra's Triple Zero service is accessible to all, including those with disabilities. The company has improved the range of accessible services for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech impairment. Additionally, interpreter services are available for non-English speakers, who are automatically connected to the police in their state or territory.
The Triple Zero service is free of charge. Mobile networks are required by law to accept emergency calls from customers of competing networks. For mobile and satellite phones, a SIM card is not necessary to connect to emergency services.
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Interpreter services are available for non-English speakers
Australia's emergency telephone number is 000, also known as Triple Zero. This number is only intended for use in life-threatening or time-critical emergencies. In non-life-threatening situations, the State Emergency Service (SES) number 132 500 should be called instead.
The TIS National website provides resources for people whose first language is not English. The 106 number provides the same service as Triple Zero, but is only for people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment. This text-based service allows callers to pass on text information to a relay officer, who then dials the correct emergency service and relays the conversation.
The emergency number in Australia is not 911, although this number may be answered and redirected to Triple Zero. 911 is the emergency number in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Philippines.
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Alternative emergency numbers include 106 and 112
Australia's main emergency telephone number is Triple Zero (000). This number is toll-free and can be dialled from any mobile or fixed phone, as well as certain VoIP and satellite services. It is important to note that 911, the emergency number used in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Philippines, cannot be used to reach emergency services in Australia.
Alternative emergency numbers in Australia include 106 and 112. Number 106, also known as the 106 Text Emergency Call, is a text-based service for individuals with hearing or speech impairments who use a teletypewriter (TTY) or a similar device. It is operated by the National Relay Service (NRS) and is accessible via a TTY/textphone or a computer with terminal software and a modem. To reach police, fire, or ambulance services, callers to 106 will be asked to type PPP, FFF, or AAA, respectively. This service is also free of charge.
Number 112, on the other hand, is an alternative to Triple Zero (000) that can be used to reach emergency services in Australia. Telstra, the operator of the Triple Zero service, also answers calls to 112 and transfers them, along with location information, to the requested emergency service. It is important to note that neither 000 nor 112 can be reached via text message.
In addition to these emergency numbers, Australia also has a dedicated phone number for the State Emergency Service (SES) units, which is 132 500. This number is separate from Triple Zero and should be used for situations that do not require urgent assistance from the police, fire, or ambulance services.
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Frequently asked questions
The number for 911 in the US, Canada, Mexico and the Philippines is not valid in Australia. Australia's main emergency service number is 000, also known as Triple Zero.
911 is only valid in the US, Canada, Mexico and the Philippines. Australia has its own emergency service number, 000, which was introduced in 1961.
Calling 911 in Australia will not redirect to 000. Your call will not go through.
If you need urgent help from the police, fire or ambulance services in Australia, call 000. This number is free to call from any phone.
