What is AusAlert?
AusAlert is Australia's new national emergency alert system. It will send emergency messages to compatible mobile devices during events such as natural disasters and other serious emergencies.
The system will officially launch on 1 October 2026. Before then, the Australian Government will conduct a national test to ensure the system is working correctly.
For many people, AusAlert will provide important emergency information. However, the alert may increase risk for people experiencing domestic and family violence, particularly those who use:
- A safe phone
- A concealed tablet or smartwatch
- Other devices as part of a safety plan
Because Critical Alerts cannot be turned off, it is important to consider how the national test may affect your safety. If you think the AusAlert test could affect your safety, particularly if you use a safe phone, it is important to plan ahead using the information below.
National Test
Date: Monday 27 July 2026
Time: 2:00 pm (Queensland time)
Alert Type: Critical Alert
During the test, compatible devices across Australia will:
- Vibrate
- Sound a loud siren-like alarm for approximately 10 seconds
- Display a test emergency message on screen
The national test is a Critical Alert, which cannot be disabled. The alert will sound even if your device is on:
- Silent
- Do Not Disturb
The only way to avoid receiving the national test is to:
- Turn your device off or place it in aeroplane mode at least one hour before the test.
- Keep the device off or in aeroplane mode for 24 hours after the test.
Safety Planning
If you think the AusAlert test could affect your safety, particularly if you use a safe phone, it is important to plan ahead. You may wish to:
- Review or update your personal safety plan before the national test.
- Consider whether any safety devices, including phones, tablets or smartwatches, could receive the alert.
If it is safe and practical to do so, turn your device off or place it in aeroplane mode at least one hour before the test, and leave it off for 24 hours afterwards.
Answers to Help You Plan
Read the frequently asked questions about the AusAlert and managing alerts for safety.
-
No. The national test is a Critical Alert, which cannot be disabled.
The alert will sound even if your device is on:
- Silent
- Do Not Disturb
-
The only way to avoid receiving the national test is to:
Turn your device off or place it in aeroplane mode at least one hour before the test.
Keep the device off or in aeroplane mode for 24 hours after the test.
-
Most compatible devices can receive AusAlerts, including:
- Mobile phones
- Tablets
- Smartwatches
- Children's safety watches
- Apple CarPlay-connected devices
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For more information about AusAlert, visit the Australian Government AusAlert website or The Women’s Services Network.
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Micah Projects' Brisbane Domestic Violence Service (BDVS) is the regional Domestic and Family Violence support service for people living in Brisbane. We provide a range of free and confidential services for people who are experiencing or are at risk of domestic and family violence.
Everyone deserves to feel safe and free from the fear of violence.
We provide immediate support and services for women and children experiencing or at risk of domestic and family violence.
- Call us on (07) 3217 2544, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm.
- For after-hours support, call us on (07) 3029 7000.
- For emergencies, call the Police on 000.
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