DV concerns ahead of AusAlert test
by JAMES POYNER
20th July 2026
A NEW emergency alert system is being rolled out across Australia, however, support groups and charities advocating for those impacted by domestic violence (DV) are concerned the national test may adversely impact those living with a violent partner.
Ahead of its planned activation on October 1, a national test of the AusAlert system will take place on Monday, July 27, at 2pm AEST.
The system is designed to notify people in a specific area about a developing emergency using a Cell Broadcast transmission method, which sends the alert to any compatible mobile phone, tablet, or smartwatch within range of a specific cell tower.
Compatible devices will receive a text alert accompanied by a long, high-pitched notification tone.
The national test will be testing the Critical Alert system, which can only be overridden if your device is switched off or in aeroplane mode.
DV advocate groups, such as DVConnect are advising that for the national test, those with safe phones should:
- Put your device on aeroplane mode or turn it off completely, at least an hour before the event.
- Leave it off for the duration of the test, and for at least 24 hours afterwards.
The new AusAlert system will be one more way to stay informed about an emergency situation in your area, but as DVConnect states — safety planning will become more complicated.
“There are different ways you can opt out of receiving priority alerts.
However, it is not possible to opt out of critical alerts.
The only way to avoid receiving critical alerts is to have your phone turned off or in aeroplane mode.
This may not be practical for everyone.
You should take steps to update your own individual safety plan to keep you and your family safe.
Some options could include:
- Keeping your safe phone in a location where a person using violence does not know about it, such as your workplace or a neighbours house.
- Keeping your safe phone permanently turned off and only turning it on when you are in an active emergency situation, or a person using violence is not in the house.
- Using a device that isn’t compatible with AusAlerts.An old basic phone (one that can call and text, but doesn’t use a full operating system) may be an option.
You will need to check if the specific operating system is eligible to receive AusAlerts.
Apple iPads also won’t receive AusAlerts.
Remember to check all your devices to ensure they are in line with your safety plan.
This includes phones, but also other smart devices such as tablets and watches.”
If you are impacted by Domestic Violence and need support, you can contact the National Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, or visit the website 1800respect.org.au.
