STATEMENT – Telstra Outage

I welcome the news that Telstra has rolled out an interim solution that addresses outstanding connectivity issues, particularly for access to triple zero. Telstra has confirmed that they are no longer commissioning additional welfare checks arising from network errors, due to the triple zero services now returning to normal. Every dropped triple zero call is of grave concern to the Albanese Government and we expect Telstra to do everything possible to assist affected Australians.

Earlier today I was briefed by the Triple Zero Custodian on the progress of welfare checks referred to state emergency services, due to non-response. The Triple Zero Custodian advised me that state and territory emergency authorities have not yet reported any adverse outcome caused by Telstra's outage, with 44 welfare checks affirmatively cleared, out of 170 referred.

We are grateful for the assistance of emergency service organisations across Australia for their work in assisting with welfare checks and will continue to provide updates as they come to hand.