Australia to Conduct Nationwide Mobile Emergency Alert Test on July 27

Australia will carry out a nationwide test of its new mobile emergency warning system, AusAlert, on 27 July at 2 pm AEST. The test will send a critical alert to every compatible mobile device in the country, overriding settings such as “do not disturb” and sounding a loud siren and vibration for about ten seconds. Recipients will see a message identifying the emergency, location, severity, recommended actions, and the issuing authority.

AusAlert is designed to warn of natural disasters (bushfires, floods, cyclones, tsunamis), public‑security threats, biosecurity incidents, and health emergencies such as pandemics. The system uses cell‑broadcast technology, delivering alerts within 160 metres of the target area and does not collect personal data. It will operate with two alert types: critical alerts that cannot be silenced and priority alerts that users may opt out of. The Australian government has invested roughly A$132 million in development, with the system expected to become fully operational by October and rolled out nationally by 2027. Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain highlighted the system’s reliability and the extensive local trials conducted in locations such as Majura (ACT), Launceston (TAS) and Port Douglas (QLD).