NSW to send paramedics not police to some mental health emergencies after multiple deaths

Mental health experts to triage triple zero calls, but not all of the changes will be implemented 24/7 or statewide

New South Wales will send specialist nurses rather than police to some mental health emergencies after the state announced long-fought-for reform in the wake of multiple deaths at the hands of police.

Rose Jackson and Yasmin Catley, the mental health and police ministers, announced on Thursday a statewide change to how triple 0 calls are triaged, with a new team of mental health experts assessing mental health calls 24/7 in a bid to provide better support.