Premier

Victorians Safer With Funding Boost For Triple Zero Calls Service

03 April 2015

The Andrews Labor Government has made the Victorian community safer with a major upgrade to the emergency communications system, the triple zero network.

The Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) has signed an $11 million contract with NEC Australia to improve the network, which last year took 2.4 million calls for help across police, fire, SES and ambulance.

The Minister for Emergency Services, Jane Garrett, said the seven year contract will deliver a strong communications platform to provide Victorians with a continuous, reliable triple zero service into the future.

The current system has been in use for more than a decade.

The new system will have the capacity to route calls based on volume and events. It will provide improved integration between different systems and surge management, which is essential during storms or other emergency events.

It will also pave the way to incorporate multimedia channels in the future.

The upgrade to ESTA’s communications platform will not affect public access to Victoria’s triple zero service.

The timeline for the implementation of the new system will be determined between ESTA and NEC.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services, Jane Garrett

“We rely on the triple zero service to save the lives of our loved ones and keep us safe. It needs to be a system which is up to date and well-equipped for the future.”

“We’re making this investment to ensure that when you dial triple zero, you can depend on it. The new system will bring in the latest technology and ensure reliable services now and into the future.”

Quotes attributable to ESTA CEO, Ken Shymanski

“This is good for the community; it’s important for risk mitigation and it will make ESTA more flexible and adaptable in responding to changing community needs.”

“Better integration between systems will streamline call-taking operations, reducing the need for manual data transfer, and improve reporting.

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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