The communications watchdog has opened a formal investigation into Optus after a 13-hour failure blocked about 600 triple-zero calls – now linked to three deaths.

The government is furious, calling it “completely unacceptable”, and warning of “significant consequences”.

But is it actually their fault too?

Today, journalist and contributor to Crikey, Michael Sainsbury, on what went wrong and how the government’s choices led to this disaster. 

You can read Michael’s reporting at https://www.crikey.com.au/2025/09/23/optus-000-outage-labor-blame/


If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.


Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram

Guest: Journalist and contributor to Crikey, Michael Sainsbury

Photo: AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi

The communications watchdog has opened a formal investigation into Optus after a 13-hour failure blocked about 600 triple-zero calls &ndash; now linked to three deaths.
The government is furious, calling it &ldquo;completely unacceptable&rdquo;, and warning of &ldquo;significant consequences&rdquo;.
But is it actually their fault too?
Today, journalist and contributor to Crikey, Michael Sainsbury, on what went wrong and how the government&rsquo;s choices led to this disaster.&nbsp;
You can read Michael&rsquo;s reporting at https://www.crikey.com.au/2025/09/23/optus-000-outage-labor-blame/
 If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.
 Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram
Guest: Journalist and contributor to Crikey, Michael Sainsbury
Photo: AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi

An independent daily news show. We feature the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

An independent daily news show. We feature the country&rsquo;s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

A daily news show from the publisher of The Monthly and The Saturday Paper.

A daily news show from the publisher of The Monthly and The Saturday Paper. Hear from the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

Labor's guilt in the Optus failure

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/24b1cfda-fcb2-439a-8bba-b36300842866/transcript

Advertisement