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Jaclyn Symes Minister for Emergency Services explains how 000 calls are sometimes sent to recorded message service and failing Gippslanders who need an immediate response

The Minister clarified that ESTA hasn't used recorded messages for emergencies in over a year. Calls pass through Telstra initially, where such messages might occur due to high demand. The Minister aligns with the PAEC response.

By news@gippsland - 29th November 2023 - Back to News

My question is to the Minister for Emergency Services. Last week Josh from Aherns Fruit Market in Foster received an alert that an intruder had broken into his shop. On calling 000 twice he received a message that they were too busy and to call back later. Why is your government continuing to fail Victorians who need an emergency response?

Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes says that the incident in question might be due to Telstra's automated message during high demand and claims that ESTA hasn't used recordings for 12 months

Emergency call inquiries

Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes said, "I thank Ms Bath for her question. As you have indicated, the individual that you have spoken to rang 000. As I think many people understand now in the chamber about how things happen in relation to how calls get through and get dispatched, when you call 000 it is first answered by Telstra. It is first answered by a body that I do not have responsibility for; the federal government does."

"You have alerted me to a recorded message, and I have made inquiries just in recent days in relation to this because I had heard about it. I can assure you that ESTA has not used recorded automated messages for emergency calls for over 12 months. There was a time during the pandemic when recorded messages were used."

"We have not used them in 12 months, so I can assure you, Ms Bath, that the incident you have referred to could be a result of somebody hearing a recorded automated message that Telstra has played when the national call centre receives a high volume of demand, because all calls go through 000 Telstra first before coming to ESTA, but I have made inquiries and I can confirm that ESTA have not used recorded messages in over 12 months," she said.

Questioning phone protocol

Ms Bath said, "Well, Minister, last week, as you know, in public accounts and estimates hearings the department said that such recorded messages on 000 were implemented for a short time last year and were surprised to hear that these were still being used. Who is right? Are they right, or are you right? Why are Victorians like Josh still getting recorded messages when they are trying to ring 000?"

Ms Symes responded, "Ms Bath, I am not sure whether you failed to listen to my answer. Help me out, everyone; my answer was the same as the PAEC response, right? That is what I took from Ms Bath's question. Perhaps when you revisit my answer to your substantive question you will understand the answer."

Pictures from Esta-000 Instagram page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com