Government announces review of triple zero laws – as it happened

The Australian government announced a comprehensive review of triple zero emergency call laws on February 24, 2026, in response to growing concerns about the effectiveness and accessibility of the nation's emergency response system. This review comes amid increasing public pressure to address systemic issues that have led to delayed responses and, in some cases, preventable tragedies. The triple zero system, which serves as Australia's primary emergency contact number, has faced scrutiny over its handling of complex calls and its ability to efficiently direct resources to those in need. The government has appointed a special task force comprising emergency services experts, telecommunications specialists, and community representatives to conduct the review, which is expected to take approximately six months to complete. During this period, the task force will examine current legislation, technological infrastructure, training protocols, and inter-agency coordination to identify areas for improvement.