The Australian government will conduct a nationwide test of its new AusAlert emergency warning system on July 27 at 2 pm AEST. The alert will reach nearly every compatible smartphone across the country.
The test will trigger a 10-second blaring siren on about 23 million devices. The sound will play even if phones are set to silent and users cannot opt out.
AusAlert employs cell-broadcast technology to send targeted messages with accuracy to within 160 meters. It replaces state-based SMS systems that have struggled under heavy demand during major emergencies.
The $132 million project will deliver warnings for bushfires, floods, storms, biosecurity threats, and other life-threatening events. It is scheduled to become fully operational in October ahead of the 2026-27 high-risk weather season.
Community trials begin in June in selected urban, regional, and remote areas of every state and territory.
“AusAlert will be more reliable, more accurate, and efficient than the current systems in place,” Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said.
The test message will read: This is a TEST alert of AusAlert, Australia’s new emergency warning system.
