A community survey undertaken following the AusAlert national test in July has shown that most Australians received the test alert, were aware that the test was taking place, and support the system’s use during emergencies.
Undertaken by an independent market research firm, the online survey used a nationally representative sample of more than 4000 people living in Australia aged 18 and over. Survey data was weighted to align the sample distribution with the Australian population aged 18 and over for state/territory by remoteness, age by gender, and personal income.
The high-level survey results already received include:
- 86% of people reported receiving the test message
- 95% were aware of the test before it happened
- 87% of people who received the message identified that it was a test of the AusAlert system
- 94% understood they did not need to take any action
- 80% expect to act if they receive a real AusAlert message
- 80% see AusAlert as an important public safety capability
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain
“This survey shows the success of the national test in July and also the value that AusAlert can provide in helping keep communities informed during emergencies.”
“Having 86 per cent of people receive the AusAlert test message is a fantastic example of the ability for AusAlert to reach more people in a timely manner than the existing text-based system.”
“Used alongside other existing communications methods, such as radio, social media and other agency communications tools, AusAlert will help provide timely and relevant information to at-risk communities during emergencies.”
“This potentially life-saving technology will be available from October for state and territory emergency services to use during the upcoming higher risk weather season.”
