Triple-zero crisis: Family of victim demands action from state government

Swan Hill local David Edwards’ father died on January 5 because he and his wife could not get through to a triple-zero operator.

He then rang the local police station who also called triple-zero but couldn’t get through.

An ambulance finally arrived but only after the local police sergeant physically went down to the hospital to request one.

David’s father is one of 12 people, including four children, who died after emergency calls went unanswered, according to a joint investigation by The Age and 60 Minutes.

Mr Edwards says he still hasn’t been contacted by any state government representatives since his father died.

He says it shows they don’t care.

“They’re stealing our families, that’s what they’re doing,” he told Neil Mitchell on 3AW Mornings.

Mr Edwards added he felt disgusted when he learnt that Alisha, a 14-year-old girl, also died because a triple-zero call went unanswered

“This young girl … her life has gone. My dad had a good life, lovely man, he had a great life.

“That poor girl … her mum’s seen her fade away.

“I cannot put into words how angry I am.

“It is disgusting.”

He said the state government need to make the issue a priority.

“They need to fix it, none of these words or money… just fix the bloody thing.

“Stop people dying, have a heart.”

Emergency Services minister Jaclyn Symes said delays in answers to triple-zero calls were “unacceptable” at a press conference on Monday afternoon.

It was also announced that the state government would invest over $115 million in the emergency call-taker workforce.

As part of the funding, 120 new call-takers will be trained by mid-2023.

Press PLAY to hear more from David Edwards below