The SES upgraded 132 500 system for mobile phones was activated earlier this month.

The system for directing mobile callers has been changed to the Telstra Locator Service, which operates on a voice recognition basis.

Anthony Roberts MP, Shadow Minister for Emergency Services said “ the new system will improve accuracy in directing callers to their nearest SES Unit by using the suburb boundary”.

“Instead of selecting your postcode, Mobile callers will be required to state the suburb where assistance is required.  They will then be transferred to the appropriate SES unit” Mr Roberts said.

“The problem with the previous system was that postcode boundaries often covered more that one SES unit”.

“If the suburb cannot be recognised, a further prompt will be given to enter the postcode. If the suburb cannot be recognised after 3 attempts, the caller will be directed to the SES State Communications Centre to speak to an operator,” he said.

“To Telstra’s credit, during the upgrade there was no interruption to the SES 132 500 service,” said Mr Roberts.