A loud siren will sound on mobile phones within range across the state and country when the AusAlert emergency warning system sends a test message at 1:30pm ACST on Monday, July 27.
The trail is part of the governments nationwide test as part of the rollout of its new national alert platform, designed to replace the existing mix of state-based emergency warning systems.
Before the national test, a community test will be conducted in June for selected towns across Australian states and territories. Port Lincoln has been named as South Australia’s first test spot and will be told in advance to the testing.
AusAlert is currently being developed, and the National Emergency Management Agency for it to begin operating from October 2026. From then, the government and state and territory emergency services organisations will be able to send alerts, subject to individual state and territory agreements.
Emergencies may include things like bushfires, floods, health emergencies, severe storms and biosecurity incidents. During the test there is no action needed to be taken.
Once active, AusAlert will be able to send targeted alerts to mobile devices in specific areas, allowing emergency services organisations to send precise evacuation messages.
The alert is fast and reliable because they’re not text messages instead they use a cell-broadcast technology that can be used even without an active SIM card. It is ensured that AusAlert will not collect or store any mobile phone numbers or locations. The alert will sound even with do not disturbs in place.
AusAlert is being introduced as a response to the 2020 Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements, which found that emergency warning systems, including mobile-based alerts, are critical.
The system is being designed with relevant federal, state and territory government agencies, as well as emergency services. This is to ensure that AusAlert is used appropriately and recognises the leading role state and territory emergency organisations play in not only issuing warnings but responding to them.
For more information on AusAlert, visit the website here.
