CWU statement on Optus 000 outage tragedy
Three Australians have tragically lost their lives because they could not reach triple zero during Optus’ network outage. There is no greater failure for a telecommunications company than failing the public in their moment of greatest need.
This tragedy must never be allowed to happen again.
As part of the review into how this occurred, Optus must examine every aspect of its systems - including its reliance on outsourcing and contracting for critical services. When you outsource essential safety functions, you increase the risk of failure.
This is not the first time Optus outages have disrupted emergency calls, but it must be the last. Australians need an iron-clad guarantee that when they dial triple zero, the call will get through, no matter what.
The company let Australians down in the most tragic way possible. That failure is unacceptable.
The Communication Workers Union will do everything in our power to hold Optus accountable and to ensure urgent reforms are made, so that our emergency services are never compromised again
Media contact: Alana Mew, 0419 929 722
