National AusAlert Test Set for Monday 27 July

Australians are being encouraged to prepare for the nationwide test of the new AusAlert emergency warning system, which will take place on Monday 27 July 2026.

At the scheduled time, a Critical AusAlert test message will be broadcast to compatible mobile devices across Australia. Most mobile phones, along with some smart watches and tablets, are expected to receive the alert. Devices will sound a distinctive siren, vibrate for around 10 seconds and display a message clearly identifying the notification as a test. No action will be required.

The national test will occur simultaneously across the country:

2:00 pm AEST - ACT, NSW, Queensland, Tasmania and Victoria

1:30 pm ACST - South Australia, Broken Hill and the Northern Territory

12:00 pm AWST - Western Australia

AusAlert uses cell broadcast technology, allowing emergency agencies to rapidly send warnings to compatible devices within an affected area, even when mobile networks are congested. Unlike SMS, alerts are delivered directly from mobile towers and are designed to reach large numbers of people almost instantly during life-threatening emergencies. The system is scheduled to become operational nationally in October 2026.

As this is a Critical Alert, it cannot be disabled through your device settings. Anyone who needs to avoid receiving the test, such as those with hidden safety phones or devices that could cause disruption, should switch their device off or place it into aeroplane mode before the scheduled test time and leave it that way for at least an hour.

For more information, visit AusAlert National Test website at: Link

Page Last Updated: Tuesday, 21 Jul 2026 at 08:05 hours by Justin Giles-clark

Click Here To Return To Previous Page