Tasmanians can now use any of the 450 payphones dotted around the state to call anywhere in Australia for free. This includes free local or national calls to a standard fixed line or calls to an Australian mobile.
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Telstra reported that 11 million calls were made nationwide from payphones last year, including more than 230,000 calls to emergency services and Lifeline.
Telstra chief executive Andrew Penn said it was not always easy for a person in a domestic violence situation to use a home phone or a mobile phone to get help.
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"During COVID-related lockdowns, we've seen domestic and family violence agencies report a 60-per-cent rise in new clients seeking help for the first time and an increase in abusive behaviours overall," he said.
"I hope making payphone calls free might play a small part in helping them get the assistance they need."
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TasCOSS chief executive Adrienne Picone said maintaining healthy social engagement could be a significant cost barrier for Tasmanians who had to live on inadequate incomes.
She said the decision by Telstra would have a big impact on those who did not have access to mobile phones or adequate phone credit and would ultimately enable them seek out services and support.