Overview
- A 10-second siren and on-screen message will hit compatible phones nationwide at 2pm AEST on Monday, July 27, as part of the test.
- Localised trials will run in June in Majura, Launceston, Port Douglas, Liverpool, Geelong, Tennant Creek, Goomalling, Port Lincoln and Queanbeyan.
- Two tiers will operate, with compulsory critical alerts that override silent modes and an opt-out priority level for lower-severity warnings.
- AusAlert uses cell-broadcast to target areas down to about 160 metres, functions under heavy network traffic, displays on locked screens, and does not collect phone numbers or locations.
- The system is slated to go live nationally in October 2026 to progressively replace SMS alerts through 2027, with officials citing a $132 million build after delays from an original 2024 target.