Development of Australasian Payphones and Booths
Australian and New Zealand payphones and booths began with the first public telephones installed in Sydney in 1893, part of early efforts to bring telephone access to the public. Over the 20th century, dedicated payphone designs evolved from basic cubicles to robust, coin-operated units like the green CT3 and later the distinctive 1980s Gold Phone, addressing vandalism and payment needs. Public telephone cabinets also developed through the 1950s and 1960s toward aluminium-framed street installations. At their 1990s peak, Australia had more than 80,000 payphones nationwide. Deregulation in 1989 opened the market, and today Telstra maintains phones under a Universal Service Obligation, with modern adaptations including free calls and Wi-Fi at some sites.
Click here for New Zealand Payphones and Booths
Click here for Australian 1900-1940 early development and models
Click here for Australian 1960-2000 Mid-century payphones
Click here for Australian PHONE BOXES
Click here for Australian PRIVATE PAYPHONES
Click here for Australian FULL LIST
The Postmaster-General’s Department (PMG) was established in 1901 to administer Australia’s postal, telegraph and domestic telephone services, including public payphones. It operated until 1975, when its functions were divided between Australia Post and Telecom Australia.
Telecom Australia was the government-owned telecommunications enterprise established on 1 July 1975, taking over the PMG’s domestic telephone network and public payphones.
Key Facts
• Origin: The PMG brought together the former colonies’ postal and telecommunications services following Federation in 1901.
• Separation: On 1 July 1975, postal services passed to Australia Post and telecommunications to the Australian Telecommunications Commission, trading as Telecom Australia.
• Merger: On 1 February 1992, Telecom Australia merged with the Overseas Telecommunications Commission (OTC) to form the Australian and Overseas Telecommunications Corporation (AOTC).
• Rebranding: AOTC was renamed Telstra Corporation Limited in April 1993. The Telecom Australia brand continued domestically until 1995.
