Triple Zero (000) is the primary national emergency telephone number used throughout Australia. It is intended for situations that are life‑threatening, present an immediate risk to people or property, or require urgent police, fire or medical attendance. Calls to 000 are free from landlines, mobile phones and public payphones within Australia.
How calls are handled
When a caller dials 000 they are connected to an emergency call‑taking centre. Call‑takers ask a short set of questions to determine the nature of the emergency and the caller’s location, then arrange for the appropriate response — typically police, fire or ambulance. Telecommunications providers and networks route calls to the nearest available emergency answering point; historically major carriers such as Telstra have been involved in maintaining routing systems.
What to say and do when you call
- Speak calmly and clearly. Give your exact location and a brief description of the problem.
- Answer the operator’s questions and follow any instructions, for example for first aid or evacuation.
- Do not hang up until the operator tells you to do so if emergency services may need further information or to guide you.
Alternative access and accessibility
Mobile users can also dial 112, an international GSM emergency number; on most mobile networks this routes to the same Australian emergency answering point as 000. People with hearing or speech impairments can use text‑based relay services or the dedicated TTY number 106 (for TTY devices) to contact emergency services via specialist gateways. Many emergency and disability services publish guidance on accessible contact options (emergency information, services).
Legal and safety considerations
Misuse of emergency numbers can delay assistance to people in genuine need and is an offence in many jurisdictions; there are legal penalties for making false reports or using the line for non‑emergencies. For details about the law and penalties see official regulatory guidance (law and guidance) and local government resources.
When not to call 000
Do not use 000 for routine or non‑urgent matters such as reporting past minor thefts, making general inquiries, or calling for advice that is not time‑critical. For non‑urgent police matters or administrative requests, contact your local station or the non‑emergency number provided by your state or territory police service; official channels and local contacts provide correct procedures and support (number info).
Preparedness and further information
Public education campaigns encourage people to know their address or location, learn basic first aid, and have a plan for common emergencies. Official websites and local authorities publish preparedness advice and checklists; consult those resources to learn what to do before, during and after an emergency (emergency, services, number info).