Overview
- The federal AusAlert national test will send a 10‑second siren and a test message to compatible phones and some smart devices on Monday, July 27, at times that vary by state.
- The National Emergency Management Agency and domestic violence services advise people who rely on concealed ‘safe’ phones to switch those devices off or put them in aeroplane mode for at least one hour before and after the test.
- Many states and territories have raised functionality and coverage concerns and do not plan to immediately retire their own warning systems, while the ACT will run AusAlert alongside local alerts from October 1.
- AusAlert uses cell‑broadcast technology that sends a single message from selected mobile towers to all compatible devices in a geographic area, so its reach depends on working towers, device compatibility, power and carrier infrastructure.
- International trials have exposed timing, delivery and coverage problems and officials say Monday’s test and the planned October rollout ahead of bushfire season are intended to identify gaps and fix operational faults.