Collect Calls from Australia: Not Supported Anymore

You cannot make a collect call (reverse-charge call) from Australia. The service was discontinued by all major carriers (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone/TPG) in the 2010s due to:

• Near-universal mobile ownership (prepaid plans, unlimited domestic)
• VoIP/apps (WhatsApp, Messenger, FaceTime, Zoom) — free over WiFi/data
• Fraud/abuse risk (premium-rate scams, prison contraband)
• Operational cost > revenue

Alternatives for "No Credit" Situations

• Emergency calls (000/112): Work on any mobile, even without SIM or credit
• Telstra Phone Away: Prepaid card for payphones (rare remaining)
• Ask a bystander: Australians generally help with a quick call
• WiFi calling: Most cafés, libraries, transit hubs offer free WiFi
• International: Use WhatsApp/Signal/Telegram voice — free over data

Historical Note

Collect calls (operator-assisted, recipient accepts charges) were standard 1980s–2000s from payphones. Telstra's "1800 REVERSE" (1800 738 3773) ended 2019. No carrier currently offers reverse-charge service from Australian numbers.