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Emergencies and key laws in Australia

For anyone at any step. Save these numbers in your phone before you fly.

000Police, fire, ambulance (free to call)
112From a mobile, also works: it connects to 000
106Emergency calls by TTY (textphone) for people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech difficulty. Not SMS
131 444Police Assistance Line, non-urgent (all states and territories, including Victoria and WA)
132 500SES (State Emergency Service): storm and flood help
13 11 26Poisons information, 24 hours
1800 022 222healthdirect (also 1800MEDICARE, and NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria): health advice from a nurse, 24 hours
13 11 14Lifeline crisis support, 24 hours
1800 333 000Crime Stoppers: report information anonymously

If something goes wrong

Car accident
  1. If anyone is hurt or there is danger (fire, fuel, blocked road), call 000
  2. Turn on hazard lights and get everyone to a safe place away from traffic
  3. Swap names, addresses, rego (registration) numbers and insurer details with the other drivers
  4. If police don’t come, report it on 131 444 and note the reference number
  5. Photograph the scene and damage, then tell your insurer
Bushfire, flood or storm warning
  1. Warnings use three levels: Advice (yellow), Watch and Act (orange) and Emergency Warning (red)
  2. Emergency Warning means act now: any delay puts your life at risk
  3. Follow your state emergency service app or website and local radio
  4. For storm or flood damage call the SES on 132 500; if life is in danger call 000
Snake bite
  1. Treat every snake bite as life-threatening: call 000 and ask for an ambulance
  2. Keep the person still and calm
  3. Apply a firm roller bandage over the bite, then up the whole limb, and splint it
  4. Don’t wash, cut or suck the bite, don’t use a tourniquet, and don’t try to catch the snake
  5. Note the time of the bite and bandaging. Poisons information: 13 11 26
Caught in a rip at the beach
  1. Stay calm and don’t swim against the current
  2. Float on your back and go with the current
  3. Swim parallel to the beach, or towards breaking waves, to get out of it
  4. To prevent it: swim only between the red and yellow flags. No flags, no swim
Lost or stolen UK passport
  1. Report the theft to police on 131 444 and get a reference number
  2. Contact the British High Commission or a British consulate through the FCDO online contact form
  3. If you need to travel before a new passport arrives, apply online for an emergency travel document
Unwell but not an emergency
  1. Call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to speak to a nurse, 24 hours
  2. Book a GP (family doctor) appointment
  3. For possible poisoning or a medicine mix-up call 13 11 26
  4. For chest pain, breathing trouble, or signs of a stroke, call 000 straight away

Laws that catch people out

Declare food at the airportDeclare food, plant and animal products when you land, or bin them. False declarations can bring a fine of up to A$6,260 or prosecution, and your visa can be cancelled. Read more
Swim between the flagsOn patrolled beaches, swim only between the red and yellow flags. Rips are the main hazard on Australian beaches. Read more
Drink-driving limits are lower for new driversThe limit is 0.05 blood alcohol for full licence holders, and zero for learner and provisional (P-plate) drivers. Read more
No phone in your hand while drivingIllegal phone use while driving brings big fines and demerit points (in SA, A$592 plus a levy and 3 points), and detection cameras now catch it. Read more
Bring medicines with a prescriptionBring no more than 3 months’ supply, for yourself only, in original packaging, with a prescription or doctor’s letter. Read more
Your bond goes to the stateYour rental bond must be lodged with the state bond authority, not kept by the landlord or agent. Ask for the lodgement receipt. Read more
Laws that catch people outHealthcare

General guidance. In an emergency, follow the instructions of the police, ambulance or fire service.