Millions of mobile phones across Australia are scheduled to receive a simultaneous test alert from the new national emergency notification system, AusAlert, on July 27. This impending test has prompted a warning from the Queensland Women's Legal Service, advising those in domestic violence situations to be aware that their hidden emergency devices could be activated by the alert.
The AusAlert system is designed to send mass notifications to all compatible mobile phones in designated test areas. The Queensland Women's Legal Service highlighted that these alerts may bypass a phone's silent and 'do not disturb' settings. The advocacy group stated, "If you feel unsafe or are concerned about your personal safety, including in situations of domestic and family violence, it's important to consider how emergency alerts may affect you and take steps that support your safety."
"Be aware that Critical Alerts may sound even if your phone is on silent. Critical Alerts won't sound on Aeroplane mode or a device that is switched off," the service noted. For individuals with hidden devices, the recommendation is: "Because Critical Alerts cannot activate on a device that is switched off, if it is safe to do so, consider turning off a device before a scheduled test and only turning it back on once the test period has ended."
The national test is scheduled for the afternoon of July 27, preceding the system's full rollout in October. Affected areas for the July 27 test include Liverpool in New South Wales, Queanbeyan (NSW/ACT), Duffy (ACT), Cooya Beach, Newell, and Wonga Beach in Queensland, Geelong in Victoria, Port Lincoln in South Australia, Goomalling in Western Australia, Launceston in Tasmania, and Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory.
Specific times for the alert vary by state: 2 p.m. in the ACT, NSW, Queensland, Tasmania, and Victoria; 1:30 p.m. in South Australia and the Northern Territory; and 12 p.m. in Western Australia. Residents in these areas will receive advance notification about the test, and no action is required after the alert is received.
Once operational, AusAlert will enable authorities to disseminate urgent warnings and disaster alerts to all mobile phone users within affected regions. The system can be triggered by various emergencies, including natural hazards, public safety and security threats, biosecurity incidents, and other national events. Alerts will provide details on the emergency, its location, severity, and instructions for response.
The technology underpinning AusAlert is currently utilized by over 30 countries. Its introduction in Australia follows recommendations from a 2020 Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements. Some areas have already undergone preliminary testing of the system in the month leading up to the national test.