General News
12 June, 2026
AusAlert nationwide test set for July 27
AusAlert is a new national warning system expected to launch on October 1.
It has been designed to send emergency messages to compatible mobile devices (phone, tablet or smartwatches) during local and national disasters.
The goal is to keep communities informed so they can take action in emergencies, and it was created in response to the 2020 Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements.
It will send information about local and national disasters, including what is happening now or what might happen soon in your area.
Before the system is fully implemented later in the year, tests will be carried out in some select communities in June (the nearest one to the Wimmera will be in Geelong on June 18), but then a national test will occur at the same time across the country on Monday, July 27 at 2pm AEST.
At the time of the test, a single Critical AusAlert test will be sent to every mobile device in Australia.
Everyone in Australia with a compatible mobile device can expect to receive the alert.
Devices will vibrate and play a siren-like warning sound for about 10 seconds, and an AusAlert message will appear on device screens.
It will clearly say it is a test, but exactly how it appears will depend on your device type and operating system.
Some people may not receive the alert due to a lack of device compatibility (this might be solved with a software update) or being outside the mobile service range.
If you don't want to receive a test alert due to the potential for disruption or anxiety, you can opt out.
The most obvious way is to turn the device off or put it into flight mode, but there may be other options depending on your device.
However, the recommendation is to keep a device available to receive the messages, as future AusAlerts contain important information to help keep the community safe.
AusAlert have also released a series of answers to some questions, the first being the assumption the system works the same way as text messages.
But AusAlert uses a dedicated channel in 4G and 5G cell-broadcast technology – messages are sent directly from mobile towers to compatible devices in a defined area, with precision down to 160 metres.
This means messages arrive almost instantly – alerts still work when mobile networks are congested, and messages appear as system notifications, including alerts that show on locked screens and during phone use.
Questions have been raised about whether the system would track individuals, but as the device receives the signal passively (there is no associated app or sign-in required).
It is similar to how an FM radio picks up a broadcast – the network remains unaware of which specific devices are within that cell tower’s coverage area during the alert.
However, it has been pointed out that, with the system overriding ‘Do Not Disturb’ and silent modes, it could pose a safety risk in some situations, with a ‘hidden’ phone suddenly triggering a high-volume siren and potentially revealing the device’s location to anyone nearby.
Every AusAlert will sound like a siren, but there will be different alert levels, designed for different situations.
Critical Alerts are used for the most dangerous, life-threatening situations – these are intrusive, have a fixed volume and cannot be opted out of.
Priority Alerts can be opted out of or adjusted through your device settings, including volume and vibration.
The system will work exactly the same in regional areas as in cities, depending on coverage from an active cell tower.
For more information about AusAlert, head to the website at ausalert.gov.au.