The ACMA regulates and monitors the provision of emergency call services under Part 8 of the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999. It requires the ACMA to make a determination placing requirements on carriers, carriage service providers and emergency call persons (ECPs) with respect to the emergency call service.
The Telecommunications (Emergency Call Service) Determination 2009 (the Determination) sets out the responsibilities and obligations of the emergency call persons, carriers and carriage service providers in relation to the provision of the Emergency Call Services. The Explanatory Statement to the Determination accompanies the Determination and provides additional information and discussion of its provisions.
The Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997, also administered by the ACMA, specifies that:
- the primary emergency service number is Triple Zero (000); and
- the secondary emergency service numbers are '106' and '112'.
The Telecommunications (Emergency Call Persons) Determination 1999 specifies both Telstra Corporation Limited and the National Relay Service (NRS) provider as national operators of emergency call persons who operate the Emergency Call Service. Telstra has the responsibility of providing the service which answers calls to the emergency service numbers Triple Zero (000) and 112, and transfers them, with relevant associated information, to the requested emergency service organisation. The Australian Communication Exchange (ACE) is currently the provider of the NRS. ACE has the same responsibility as Telstra with regard to the emergency service number 106.
Since 2000, the ACMA has maintained an emergency services advisory committee to provide advice on issues relating to the emergency call service. Membership of the Emergency Call Service Advisory Committee (ECSAC) is comprised of representatives from government, emergency service organisations, carriers, carriage service providers and the emergency call persons.
Further information