What is AusAlert?
AusAlert is Australia's national warning system. It 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.
The AusAlert project
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 build of the AusAlert system.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) delivered the system with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts (DITRDCSA). It was co-designed with relevant federal, state and territory government agencies. This included emergency services organisations.
AusAlert was ready for use from 1 October 2026. Before this, it was tested in selected community locations across Australia in June 2026, and an AusAlert national test was sent to all compatible mobile devices in Australia at 2:00 pm AEST on Monday 27 July 2026.
In the lead-up to the AusAlert testing period, the Australian Government engaged, worked with and reached out to many organisations and their partners to help raise awareness of AusAlert. The advice they provided, and the time and effort they dedicated to sharing information with their communities and sectors was appreciated and we thank them for their valuable support.
The Australian Government is working with the Victorian Government's emergency management organisation, Emergency Management Victoria (EMV), to expand AusAlert by providing emergency messages to landline phones across Australia. This feature is called Automated Voice Messaging (AVM) and has been funded by the Australian Government as part of the AusAlert project. AVM will work alongside AusAlert’s cell-broadcast technology to help emergency warnings reach as many Australians as possible.
How AusAlert works
AusAlert uses cell-broadcast technology through active 4G and 5G mobile networks. AusAlert messages should only be received by people near the area affected by the emergency.
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.
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, if your compatible mobile phone, tablet or smart watch is near the emergency and in range of a nearby mobile phone tower, it should receive the alert almost instantly. If you enter the emergency area after the message was first sent, you should still receive the alert.
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
- children and young people
- First Nations peoples
- people from diverse cultural backgrounds
- people experiencing domestic and family violence.
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.
AusAlert testing
As AusAlert is now live, state and territory emergency services organisations may test the system as part of their ongoing preparedness and readiness programs. This helps ensure AusAlert is working effectively and is ready to use in a real emergency.
Information about upcoming state and territory AusAlert testing will is expected to be communicated by the state or territory emergency services organisation leading the testing.
When testing happens, you may receive an AusAlert test alert on your mobile phone, tablet or smart watch. It may cause your device to vibrate and play a loud 10-second siren-like warning sound.
If you receive an AusAlert test, try to stay calm. The message will clearly say it’s a test and that no action is needed.
As testing will only happen in certain targeted locations, not everyone in a state or territory will receive a test alert.