The Australian Government is launching AusAlert in October. AusAlert is a new national warning system that can send emergency messages to compatible mobile devices. It’s a fast and reliable way to help communities be informed and better prepared during local and national emergencies.
AusAlert is a tool the Australian Government and state and territory emergency services organisations can use to help to keep Australians safer.
Before AusAlert is ready to use, it will be tested twice in Victoria, impacting all compatible mobile devices across:
- Geelong suburbs of Belmont and Highton on Thursday 18 June 2026 at 2 pm
- Nationally on Monday 27 July 2026 at 2 pm.
What to expect
The AusAlert test will be sent to most compatible mobile devices in the test area, such as phones, tablets and smartwatches, children’s safety watches and Apple CarPlay devices.
The Geelong test will be a Priority Alert. This means all compatible devices in the Belmont and Highton area at 2 pm on 18 June 2026 will:
- vibrate and make a loud siren-like warning sound t for about 10 seconds
- show a message on the screen.
The national test at 2 pm on 27 July will be Critical Alert. All compatible Australian devices will:
- vibrate and make a loud siren-like warning sound that lasts for about 10 seconds
- show a message on the screen
- vibrate and make a loud sound, even if it is on ‘silent’ or ‘do not disturb’
- you cannot turn off Critical Alerts.
The AusAlert message will look something like this:
If you do NOT want AusAlert test on your device
AusAlert may increase risk for people experiencing violence, especially if they live with someone who uses violence. Alerts may expose safety devices.
If you have a hidden device, the best way to stay safe during both tests is to:
- turn off your mobile device or put it in aeroplane mode
- keep your device off or in aeroplane mode for 24 hours.
For more information, please visit the staying safe with AusAlert page.
More information
Visit ausalert.gov.au for more details about AusAlert testing, including information for: