Optus CEO Faces Resignation Calls After Fatal Emergency Call Failure

Optus is under intense scrutiny following a nationwide network outage linked to multiple deaths due to emergency calls to triple-0 not connecting. CEO Stephen Rue has attributed the failure to staff errors in following a firewall upgrade process, not to investment shortfalls, while critics and lawmakers accuse the company of negligence and delayed communication with emergency services, which may have cost lives. An independent review led by Kerry Schott AO has been launched to investigate the operational management and emergency call handling during the incident. Lawmakers and public officials have condemned Optus's handling, with calls for immediate government intervention and questions raised about the company's management and foreign ownership. Victims' families and affected customers have reported distress and inadequate responses from Optus, intensifying public outrage. The situation has sparked debate about the future of Optus, including suggestions for forced sale and leadership changes to restore trust and ensure accountability.