New emergency alert system being tested
by JAMES POYNER
22nd June 2026
A NEW emergency alert system is being rolled out across Australia.
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.
The new national mobile alert system was due to launch in 2024, but has been delayed due to the project’s complexity, and has cost the Federal Government around $132 million.
Following localised testing in June, a nationwide test of the new AusAlert system will take place on Monday, July 27, at 2pm AEST.
At that time, an alert will be sent to every mobile device in Australia; those receiving it will hear a long, high-pitched tone, and a text message test alert will appear on their device.
If you do not receive the test alert, your device may not be compatible or connected to a cell tower at the time.
Community members are advised to make sure their devices have the latest firmware updates ahead of the test.
The AusAlert system is expected to launch on October 1, 2026, and will alert you if there is a nearby disaster such as bushfire or flood, if there is a medical alert in the area, or other important emergency alerts.
The system is expected to work with the following devices:
- iPhones 11 and up running iOS 26.4 or later
- Apple Watch SE2, SE3, Series 6 and up running watchOS 26.4 or later
- Android devices running Android 12 or later.
Older Android phones and phones that don’t use iOS or Android might still receive AusAlerts.
Apple iPads won’t receive AusAlerts.
As with other emergency alerts, AusAlerts will become another source of information in an emergency and should not be seen as a replacement for your current emergency sources or the VicEmergency app.
