Australia will soon have a new way to warn people during emergencies.
AusAlert is a national warning system that sends emergency messages to compatible mobile phones, tablets and smart watches.
AusAlert will be used to warn people about bushfires, floods, cyclones, severe weather, public health emergencies and security incidents.
Before AusAlert launches in October 2026, the Australian Government will run a national test on Monday 27 July 2026.
The test will help people know what an AusAlert looks and sounds like. It will also check that the system works.
During the test, compatible devices will vibrate and play a loud siren-like sound for about 10 seconds. A message will also appear on the screen. The message will clearly say it is a test.
You do not need to do anything if you receive the test alert.
- In the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania and Victoria, the test will happen at 2:00 pm AEST.
- In South Australia, the Northern Territory and Broken Hill, the test will happen at 1:30 pm ACST.
- In Western Australia, the test will happen at 12:00 pm AWST.
AusAlert has resources to help people get ready for the test. This includes information for:
- older Australians
- people with disability
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- multicultural communities.
Visit ausalert.gov.au to learn more about AusAlert and the national test.
