Quick Read
- Australia will conduct a nationwide test of its new AusAlert emergency system on July 27, 2026, at 2 pm AEST.
- The $132 million system will replace state-based text alerts, providing targeted home screen messages for disasters.
- AusAlert is expected to be fully operational by October 2026, before the high-risk weather season.
- Two alert levels exist: critical (no opt-out) for imminent threats and priority (opt-out available) for advice warnings.
- Concerns include mobile black spots in regional areas and the system’s significant cost escalation.
SYDNEY (Azat TV) – Australia is preparing to launch a new national Emergency Alert System, AusAlert, in the coming months, with a nationwide test scheduled for July 27, 2026. This significant overhaul, costing $132 million, aims to provide more reliable and targeted warnings for major disasters and public safety incidents, addressing previous system limitations and fulfilling a key recommendation from the royal commission into national natural disaster arrangements.
The new system represents a major development in Australia’s emergency communication landscape, designed to replace existing state-based text messaging systems that often struggled under the high demand of widespread emergencies. AusAlert is expected to be fully operational by October 2026, well in advance of the anticipated 2026-27 high-risk weather season.
AusAlert System Rollout and Testing Schedule
The implementation of AusAlert will commence with a series of local trials across various states and territories in June 2026. These localized tests are planned for diverse areas including Launceston in Tasmania, Port Douglas in Queensland, Majura in the ACT, Liverpool in NSW, Geelong in Victoria, Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory, Goomalling in Western Australia, and Port Lincoln in South Australia. A cross-border trial is also slated for Queanbeyan, extending into Canberra, to assess the system’s efficacy across jurisdictional boundaries.
The critical national test is set for Monday, July 27, 2026, at 2 pm Eastern Australian Standard Time (AEST). During this test, an alert is expected to be sent to approximately 23 million smartphones across the country, with officials anticipating that as many as 90% of phones in Australia will receive the notification. The system is designed to be compatible with most smartphones released since 2019, and testing is also underway for its interaction with smartwatches, CarPlay systems, and other connected devices.
Key Features of Australia’s New Emergency Alerts
AusAlert will deliver alerts as home screen messages on compatible phones, distinguishing them from standard text messages. These alerts can be geographically targeted with precision, down to individual streets, within a 160-meter radius, and will be received by anyone with a phone in the designated area for a period ranging from 10 minutes to 24 hours. The highest-level threat alerts will be accompanied by a loud, intrusive tone to ensure immediate attention.
The system will utilize cell broadcast technology, which is considered more effective at reaching people than traditional mobile networks that can become overwhelmed during major incidents. There will be two levels of alerts: “critical alerts” for imminent threats to life and property, which users will not be able to opt out of, and “priority alerts” for watch and act or advice warnings, for which an opt-out function will be available. These messages will also include links to more detailed information from official sources online. The system is intended for natural disasters such as bushfires and floods, but also for biosecurity threats and public safety incidents, including police operations or terrorist attacks, as confirmed by Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain.
Concerns and Criticisms Regarding AusAlert
Despite the government’s optimism, the AusAlert system has faced scrutiny regarding its development and cost. The project’s budget has escalated significantly, from an initial projection of $10 million to its current $132 million price tag. Shadow Emergency Services Minister Ross Cadell criticized this cost increase, calling for a clear implementation timeline, detailed assurance regarding system resilience, clarity on national coordination with states and territories, and a full accounting of the project’s expenses.
Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of the system in regional and remote areas. Indi MP Helen Haines highlighted the issue of mobile phone black spots, arguing that an alert system is ineffective if people cannot access the telecommunications network. She advocated for telecommunications companies to implement special disaster roaming services, allowing customers of rival networks to gain coverage during emergencies.
Broader Context of Emergency Preparedness
The introduction of AusAlert aligns Australia with approximately 35 other countries worldwide that already utilize similar national emergency alert systems. Minister McBain acknowledged the lengthy delays and budget blow-out, stating that “a build like this is quite technical” and emphasizing its role in warning people when they are in harm’s way, thereby saving lives and protecting property. The existing state-based emergency text alert systems are slated for decommissioning by July 2027, marking a complete transition to the new national framework.
The shift to AusAlert underscores a critical evolution in Australia’s approach to national safety, moving towards a more centralized and technologically advanced warning system to mitigate the impact of escalating natural disaster risks and public safety threats.