Australia is launching a new emergency warning system in 2026. On Monday, July 27, don’t panic, just prepare to hear a loud siren blast from mobile phones.
Yes, millions of Aussies will receive a loud mobile alert on July 27 as part of the AusAlert trial. It’s part of a nationwide trial of AusAlert. AusAlert is a new emergency warning system being rolled out in Australia later this year.
The upgraded Australian warning system will replace old-school SMS alerts for emergency warnings sent out. The new system will be faster, more targeted mobile warnings during natural disasters, public safety and security threats, biosecurity incidents and health emergencies.
The long-awaited warning system is expected to be fully operational by October 2026. The $132 million cell broadcast technology is already used in more than 30 countries for emergency communications. Here is what you need to know about this new emergency warning system.
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How does AusAlert work?
AusAlert will send emergency warnings to mobile devices within a specific area. There are two levels of alerts.
- critical alert for an imminent threat to life and property – such as fire, flood.
- priority alert for watch and act or advice warnings.
What will the emergency alert say?
Even if your phone is set to ‘do not disturb’, an alert will flash up on the home screen of your mobile, accompanied by a loud sound.
The message will tell you what the emergency is, where it’s happening, how serious it is, what you should do, who the message is from and where to find more information.
When is the AusAlert trial?
Testing of the Australian warning system is already underway. Local trials will be conducted in communities across every state and territory. Residents in selected areas will receive a clearly labelled AusAlert test message throughout June. Such locations as:
- Majura, ACT (micro test at Emergency Services Agency headquarters)
- Launceston, TAS
- Port Douglas, QLD
- Liverpool, NSW
- Tennant Creek, NT
- Geelong, VIC
- Goomalling, WA
- Port Lincoln, SA
- Queanbeyan area, ACT/NSW (cross-border test)
An Australia-wide test will take place on Monday, July 27 at:
- ACT – 2pm
- NSW – 2pm
- QLD – 2pm
- TAS – 2pm
- VIC – 2pm
- SA – 1.30pm
- NT – 1.30pm
- WA – 12pm
- Christmas Island – 11am
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