It’s been revealed Victoria’s deputy premier was warned about the crisis in the state’s Triple Zero call agency back in 2016.

The Age has obtained a letter to James Merlino dated December, 2016.

It warned the then emergency services minister call-takers were so overworked they were unable to take proper breaks or access leave.

They had to work overtime, and some were suffering from stress and mental health issues.

The news comes after a recent investigation found at least eight adults and four children had died in Victoria since October after calls to Triple Zero went unanswered or experienced major delays.

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