The Australian Government is launching AusAlert – a new national warning system that uses the latest technology to send emergency messages to all mobile devices in Australia. This includes most phones, and some smart watches and tablets.  

It’s a fast and reliable way to help keep you informed so you can act quickly during local and national disasters. These could be natural hazards like bushfires, floods and cyclones, security threats or public health emergencies.

Before AusAlert is ready to use, the system needs to be tested, and everyone made aware of what the alert will sound and look like.

Community testing took place in June 2026. A national test will take place on Monday 27 July 2026. The test time will vary across Australian time zones:

• 12:00pm AWST (WA)
• 1:30pm ACST (SA, NT, Broken Hill NSW)
• 2:00pm AEST (QLD, NSW, ACT, VIC, TAS)

The test will make a loud siren-like sound and vibrate for about 10 seconds. It will sound even if your device is on ‘silent’ or ‘do not disturb’. If this noise could disrupt you or cause you to feel unsafe, please turn off your mobile devices or switch them to aeroplane mode before the test time, and leave them off for at least one hour.

If you receive an alert while driving or riding, do not pick up your mobile phone. Mobile phone laws still apply – don’t read or respond to the alert while moving. Only check the message when your vehicle is turned off and it is safe and legal to do so.

AusAlert test messages will clearly say they are a test. You don’t need to do anything. But in an actual emergency, follow the AusAlert instructions to keep yourself and others safe.

If the trials are successful, states and territories may opt in to using AusAlert from October, depending on local requirements.