MEDIA RELEASE: Expression Australia launches world-first Auslan emergency interpreting App

Key highlights:

• Expression Australia debuts world-first Auslan Emergency Interpreting (AEI) App, with Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan at the Parliament of Victoria
• Provides 3 million Australians in the Deaf and Hard-of-hearing community with 24/7, 365-day access to Triple Zero (000)
• Closes a 64-year gap in equal access to 000 since its introduction in 1961, addressing a critical human rights issue
• Funded by Expression Australia, the AEI App was developed in collaboration with our technology partners

AUSTRALIA: Wednesday 12 November 2025 – Expression Australia, the nation’s oldest Deaf Society, today launched its new Auslan Emergency Interpreting (AEI) App at the Parliament of Victoria, building on more than 140 years of service to the Deaf and Hard-of-hearing community.

The AEI App is a world-first emergency communications solution, providing the Deaf and Hard-of-hearing community with direct access to Triple Zero (000) 24/7, 365 days a year, via real-time video calls with qualified Auslan interpreters.

For more than 64 years, the Deaf and Hard-of-hearing community has not had equal access to emergency services.

Current services only offer Auslan video call support during Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) business hours.

The AEI App addresses this critical human rights issue, guaranteeing access to emergency access when every second counts.

Recent scrutiny of telecommunications networks, following systemic failures during major emergencies, has highlighted the urgent need for reliable emergency communication solutions.

Self-funded by Expression Australia and developed in collaboration with our technology partners, the AEI App is a reliable and stable solution, designed to ensure the Deaf and Hard-of-hearing community can reach emergency services at any time.

The AEI App has already received global recognition, with the solution nominated for Innovative Solutions in the 2026 Zero Project Awards.

Commenting on the significance of the AEI App for Australia’s Deaf and Hard of hearing community, Expression Australia CEO Rebecca Adam said: "Launching this App is a defining moment for access and safety for 3 million Australians in the Deaf and Hard-of-hearing community.

“We've built this solution because waiting 64 years for equal access to emergency services is simply unacceptable", Ms Adam said.

“This is more than a technological fix – it’s the realisation of a fundamental human right, proudly led by a community-driven organisation."

“We look forward to working with governments and business partners that share our vision. While we have self-funded this launch, securing the long-term sustainability of the AEI App is now a critical national priority to ensure this essential, life-saving service remains operational for every Australian, 24/7.”

“Expression Australia urges all levels of government and key departmental stakeholders to immediately engage with us to discuss the permanent integration and sustainable funding of the AEI App into Australia's national emergency framework.”

“We welcome the opportunity to provide a live demonstration and ensure this crucial safety solution remains secured for all citizens.”

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Peter Harris - peter@gravitaspr.com.au
M: 0412 124 833

Isaac Stewart - isaac@gravitaspr.com.au
M: 0423 306 794

EXPRESSION AUSTRALIA AEI APP CONTACT
Debbie Celenza - Chief Strategic Development Officer
M: 0434 109 810
E: Debbie.Celenza@expression.com.au