Media release - Another Triple Zero failure, what will it take for the Albanese Labor Government to act?

Melissa McIntosh MP 
Shadow Minister for Communications 
Shadow Minister for Women 
Federal Member for Lindsay

18 November 2025 

Another Triple Zero failure, what will it take for the Albanese Labor Government to act?

It has been nearly a month since the first alarm bell was rung that some Samsung devices would be incompatible with the Triple Zero network, a direct result of the Albanese Government’s botched 3G network closure.

Tragically today, TPG Telecom has advised a person has died after call attempts to Triple Zero failed.

Shadow Minister for Communications, Melissa McIntosh MP said, “today we are shocked that another Australian has died because calls for help to Triple Zero failed.”

"My heart goes out to the family and loved ones of the person who has tragically passed away,” Mrs McIntosh said.

“This situation is unacceptable and opportunities to prevent this have not been acted on. I have been warning about this and trying to pull every lever for the Government to act, from amendments to legislation, calling for a public register of outages and listing our Triple Zero network as an essential service.

“Time is of the essence. The Minister must act now and direct all telecommunications providers to immediately check in with each of the thousands of Samsung device holders to ensure they have either updated the software on their phone or have secured a replacement device.

“Text messages to update software aren't good enough. Direct and urgent customer outreach to each person needs to happen now.

“Many Australians from across the country have contacted my office for assistance because they do not understand the text messages they have received or can't afford to replace their device.

“Last month, ACMA and telcos notified the community that around 50,000 Samsung devices would be incompatible with Triple Zero, but the government has stayed silent and again passed the buck on to the telcos despite this being linked to the closure of the 3G network. Now, another person has lost their life.

“If the Communications Minister cannot get the telcos to step up and address this issue before another life is lost, then she has failed Australians yet another time in her short tenure in the portfolio.

“We rushed legislation through parliament to give powers to a custodian in the Minister’s department. They have been in the role since March – what have they been doing? What has ACMA been doing? What has the Minister been doing?

“I am furious on behalf of the Australian people.”