AESTHETIC REFORMATTED ARTICLE

National AusAlert Test Raises Concerns for Domestic Violence Victims

The mandatory, non-disablable alert may unintentionally reveal hidden "safe phones" used by domestic violence victims to access support services without detection.

The Australian government will conduct a nationwide test of its new AusAlert emergency warning system on Monday, July 27, 2026, at 2:00 pm AEST (with time zone variations). The test will send a 10-second siren and vibration to all mobile phones, smartwatches, and tablets with a SIM card—including devices set to silent or do not disturb mode.

System Details and Testing Schedule

AusAlert is a new national emergency warning system designed to replace existing state-based emergency alert systems. It is expected to be fully operational by October 2026.

The system uses cell-broadcast technology, a one-to-many communication service that delivers geographically targeted alerts. This technology functions independently of network traffic volume and can reach any phone within range of a mobile tower without collecting phone numbers or geographic locations. The development of AusAlert cost the government $132 million and was a key recommendation of the royal commission into the 2019-20 Black Summer fires.

Two Levels of Alerts

• Critical warnings: Issued for imminent threats to life (e.g., an approaching cyclone). These alerts sound an alarm, display a message on the phone's home screen, and cannot be disabled.
• Priority alerts: Issued when there is no immediate threat to life but advice is given for an approaching emergency (e.g., a "watch and act" bushfire designation). Users can opt out of these alerts.

AusAlert is designed for natural disasters, public safety threats, biosecurity, and health threats. The technology is currently employed in over 35 countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, Germany, and France.

Test Schedule by State and Territory

Prior to the national test, smaller test alerts were sent to nine specific locations in June. The national test on July 27 will alert approximately 25 million mobile phones within service range.

The test message will read: "This is a TEST alert of AusAlert, Australia's new emergency warning system. NO ACTION IS REQUIRED. In an actual emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe."

Concerns and Recommendations for Domestic Violence Victims

Charities, including WESNET and DV Safe Phone, provide "safe phones" to domestic violence victims to access support services without detection by their abuser. WESNET has provided over 50,000 safe phones since 2015, including nearly 8,000 in the past year.

Advocates have warned that the mandatory, non-disablable alert during the national test may expose these hidden phones. Hannah Tonkin, NSW Women's Safety Commissioner, recommended that individuals with a hidden phone either:

• Turn it off at least one hour before the test and leave it off for at least one hour after the test, or
• Put it on aeroplane mode for the same duration.

Additionally, victims may leave their phones with a trusted person.

"Keep hidden safety phones switched off or in aeroplane mode for at least one hour after the test." — National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)

The National Emergency Management Agency stated that it has worked with domestic violence organizations to develop targeted safety information.

Context

According to Australian Femicide Watch, at least 36 women have died from domestic and family violence in Australia in 2026 as of July. Charities have reported an increase in demand for safe phones alongside a rise in technology-facilitated abuse, including tracking and surveillance.

For more information on the AusAlert system, visit www.ausalert.gov.au