What is AusAlert?
AusAlert is a new national warning system that uses the latest technology to send emergency messages to compatible mobile devices during local and national disasters. AusAlert messages keep communities informed so they can take action, saving lives and property. It’s another way we're helping to keep Australia safe.
AusAlert background
AusAlert was created in response to the 2020 Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements. It found that mobile-device-based emergency warning systems are especially effective at keeping communities informed during disasters.
The Australian Government funded the AusAlert project in the 2022–23 and 2023–24 budgets.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is delivering the system with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (DITRDCA). It is being co-designed with relevant federal, state and territory government agencies. This includes emergency services organisations.
Who is AusAlert for?
AusAlert is for everyone in Australia. It sends information about local and national disasters, including what is happening now or what might happen soon.
During a disaster, you may receive an alert if you have a compatible mobile phone, tablet or smartwatch.
People who may need more support
AusAlert is designed for all Australians.
If you need more support around AusAlert, specific resources have been made for:
- people living with disability
- older Australians
- young people
- First Nations peoples
- people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
See Community resources.
Who can send an AusAlert?
State and territory emergency services can use AusAlert to send fast, clear messages to the public about local and regional emergencies.
The Australian Government can use AusAlert to send messages to the public about national emergencies.
How AusAlert works
AusAlert uses cell-broadcast technology through active 4G and 5G mobile networks. Only people within the area affected by the emergency will receive a message.
About the technology
Cell-broadcast technology is international best practice emergency warning technology. It's used in more than 30 countries, including the US, Japan, New Zealand, Canada and several European countries such as the UK.
It allows an emergency message to be sent to every compatible mobile device in a specific area at the same time. Instead of sending messages one-by-one to mobile numbers like SMS emergency warning systems do, it sends a mass broadcast from a nearby mobile phone tower.
If your phone is in the area covered by the mobile phone tower, it will receive the alert almost instantly. If you’re not in the area, you won’t receive it. If you enter the area later and the alert is still active, you’ll receive the alert.
Testing and launch
AusAlert will be ready to use in October 2026, but before it launches, the system needs to be tested in local communities across Australia and nationally.
AusAlert will be tested in selected community locations in June 2026.
An AusAlert national test will be sent to all compatible mobile devices in Australia on Monday 27 July 2026.