A project to upgrade Queensland's Triple Zero (000) emergency phone system has been delayed until March 2027, with the ongoing war in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz cited as contributing factors. The Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) has been leading the Triple Zero (000) Telephony Refresh project, which was launched in March 2024 and was originally scheduled for completion by December 2026.
A QAS spokesperson told ABC Australia News that the delay is due to "third-party service provider delays" but assured that "current Triple Zero operations will not be impacted by the project's extension."
The ABC understands that parts required for the upgrade have been delayed because of the Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime passage. During the first three months of 2026, QAS received a Triple Zero call every 24 seconds, underscoring the system's critical role.
A spokesperson for Ambulance Services Minister Tim Nicholls described the upgrade as an "essential project" that had been "a long-time coming" since the disbanding of the Public Safety Business Agency in 2021. The spokesperson added that the upgrade is part of the Crisafulli Government's efforts to enhance and grow Queensland Ambulance Service capabilities.
The upgrade aims to deliver an improved platform for frontline staff to continue providing world-class care to the community. The project team is currently working with governance to confirm system scope and functionality requirements.
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