What is AusAlert?

AusAlert is a new national emergency warning system that sends urgent messages to compatible mobile phones and other mobile devices in a specified area.

AusAlert brings cell-broadcast technology to Australian emergency warnings. This technology is considered international best practice and is used by more than 30 countries for emergency warning communications.

AusAlert will allow emergency services organisations and some Australian Government agencies to send targeted warning messages. The system will be more reliable, accurate and efficient than current systems. This means authorities can reach people quickly when it matters most, keeping Australians informed and helping to save lives and property. In the future, AusAlert will also send automated voice messages to landline phones. 

An AusAlert message will tell you:

• what the emergency is
• where it is happening
• how serious it is
• what you should do
• who the message is from
• where to find more information.

When AusAlert may be used

AusAlert may be used for a range of situations, including:

• Natural hazards, such as bushfires, floods, cyclones and tsunamis
• Public safety and security threats, such as serious public safety incidents or terrorism
• Biosecurity incidents, such as animal or plant disease and biohazard outbreaks
• Health emergencies, such as pandemics or other national public health events.

Benefits of AusAlert

AusAlert uses cell-broadcast technology, which is more efficient than current SMS-based emergency alerts. It is also safer, faster and more secure.

Once active, AusAlert will have the following benefits:

• Targeted alerts: Alerts are sent only to mobile devices in a specified area. This can include areas that cross state and territory borders. Messages can be targeted to areas within 160 metres, such as a single building. This allows emergency services organisations to send precise evacuation messages. If you are not in the affected disaster area, you will not receive the alert.
   
• Fast: Everyone in the targeted area is sent the alert at the same time. This means alerts can reach millions of mobile devices almost instantly.
   
• Reliable: AusAlert messages are not text messages (SMS). Because they use cell-broadcast technology, alerts can still be sent and received when mobile networks are busy. Devices do not need an active SIM card to receive an alert.
   
• Private and secure: Only authorised emergency services organisations and Australian Government agencies can send alerts. AusAlert does not collect or store your mobile phone number or location. This helps protect you from scams.
   
• Loud and clear: During the most serious emergencies, AusAlert uses a loud warning sound and vibration. The alert will make this sound even if your phone is on silent or ‘do not disturb’.
   
• Proven technology: Cell broadcast is widely used for public warning systems in other countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, Japan and the European Union. It is a fast, location-based way to reach mobile devices during emergencies.

AusAlert will have the ability to broadcast messages during an alert period. If an alert is active, anyone who enters the emergency area will receive the message. You will only receive the alert again if it is updated with new information.

Delivering AusAlert

AusAlert is currently being built. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has contracts in place for AusAlert to begin operating from October 2026. From then, the Australian Government and state and territory emergency services organisations will be able to send alerts, subject to individual state and territory agreements.

As part of early testing, some communities will receive a clearly labelled test message from AusAlert. If your community is involved in early testing, you will be told in advance. If you receive a test alert, you do not need to take any action. The table below shows which communities will be involved in testing and when.
 

After community testing, there will be a national test on Monday 27 July 2026. During this test, all compatible devices across Australia will receive a test alert. This helps ensure the system works as expected before it is used in real emergencies. The table below shows when the national test will be across time zones.
 

AusAlert will align with the Australian Warning System to support a nationally consistent approach to emergency warnings. Messages will initially be sent in English only.

The AusAlert website is currently being built. Once live, you will be able to find information about testing, what to expect and whether you need to do anything to prepare. The website will also include information kits in several languages, and items such as factsheets, posters and social media content.

Background

AusAlert is being introduced in response to the 2020 Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements. The Royal Commission found that emergency warning systems, including mobile-based alerts, are critical.

The Australian Government funded the development of a national messaging system in the 2022–23 and 2023–24 Budgets. NEMA is co-delivering the system with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (DITRDCA). 

The system is also being designed with relevant federal, state and territory government agencies, including emergency services organisations. This will ensure the coordinated and appropriate use of AusAlert and recognises the leading role state and territory emergency services organisations play in issuing warnings and responding to emergencies.