16/07/2026
Please read and share with anyone who may be affected.
On Monday, 27 July 2026, Australia will conduct a national test of the new AusAlert Emergency Warning System.
The alert is scheduled for:
β’ Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania & ACT: 2:00 pm AEST
β’ South Australia & Northern Territory: 1:30 pm ACST
β’ Western Australia: 12:00 pm AWST
At the scheduled time, compatible mobile phones, tablets and some smartwatches will display the emergency warning, vibrate and play a loud alert tone, even if the device is on silent or Do Not Disturb.
If you, a family member or someone you care for is part of the disability community, lives with sensory sensitivities, or may be distressed by an unexpected loud alert, it is worth preparing in advance.
If you wear hearing aids or regularly use Bluetooth headphones, earbuds or other paired audio devices, you may wish to disconnect them a few minutes beforehand as a precaution, as device behaviour can vary.
Please also think about anyone you know who:
works night shift and may be sleeping;
may be driving at the time;
lives with anxiety, PTSD or sensory sensitivities;
relies on assistive technology;
or may need to temporarily switch their phone off or place it into aeroplane mode for privacy or personal safety.
A simple reminder in your calendar or an alarm five minutes beforehand can help ensure you're prepared and not caught off guard.
If you know someone who may not see this information, please take a moment to let them know.
For the most up-to-date information, including accessibility advice and details about the national test, please refer to the official AusAlert information using the link below.
https://www.ausalert.gov.au/alerts-explained/national-test