For single mothers experiencing family violence, coercive control, stalking, or technology-facilitated abuse, an upcoming nationwide emergency alert test could create unexpected safety risks. Here’s the risks the alert may pose, who might be at risk, and how to keep yourself safe.
On 27 July 2026, a new Australian emergency warning system called AusAlert will be tested across the country. The alert will be sent to mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets, and even some children’s safety watches and connected car systems.
For many people, this will be a routine test that might at worst startle. However, for family violence victim survivors, the alert could unintentionally expose hidden devices, reveal safety plans, or draw unwanted attention from a person using violence.
Why could this be a safety concern?
The national test will use what’s known as a Critical Alert, which means:
- A loud siren-like sound will play for approximately 10 seconds.
- The device will vibrate.
- The alert will activate even if the device is on silent mode or “Do Not Disturb”.
- The alert cannot be turned off or opted out of.
This means a hidden phone, smartwatch, tablet or children’s safety device could suddenly make noise, potentially alerting an abusive person to its existence.
For some victim survivors, this could:
- Reveal a secret phone used for safety planning.
- Expose a device being used to communicate with support services.
- Draw attention to a child’s safety watch.
- Escalate controlling or abusive behaviour.
- Compromise carefully developed safety strategies.
National Test: 27 July 2026
The Australia-wide AusAlert test will occur at:
- Victoria, NSW, ACT, Queensland and Tasmania: 2:00 pm AEST
- South Australia and Northern Territory: 1:30 pm ACST
- Western Australia: 12:00 pm AWST
All compatible devices across Australia are expected to receive the alert.
How can you reduce the risk?
If receiving the alert could place you or your children at risk, consider planning ahead.
For devices you do not want to sound during the test:
- Turn the device off or place it in aeroplane mode at least one hour before the test.
- Keep the device off or in aeroplane mode during the test period.
- Consider leaving the device off for up to 24 hours afterwards, as alerts may remain active for some time.
- If you need to turn the device back on during that period, be aware that the alert sound may still activate.
Community Tests Before July
AusAlert community testing will also occur in selected locations across Australia during June 2026.
These tests may use either Priority Alerts or Critical Alerts, depending on local arrangements, which are still being developed.
Priority Alerts generally:
- Make a loud sound and vibrate.
- Can usually be silenced if the device is on silent or Do Not Disturb.
- Can often be disabled through device settings.
Critical Alerts:
- Override silent and Do Not Disturb settings.
- Cannot be disabled.
- Will sound even when a device is muted.
Check All Devices
If you have more than one device, think about:
- Mobile phones.
- Smartwatches.
- Tablets.
- Children’s GPS or safety watches.
- Spare or emergency phones.
- Devices stored in bags, cars, workplaces or safe locations.
A device you rarely use may still receive the alert.
Safety Planning
Every person’s situation is different. If you are concerned that the AusAlert test could affect your safety, consider discussing a plan with a family violence worker, support service, trusted advocate or legal representative.
Planning ahead may help reduce the risk of the alert exposing devices, communications or safety arrangements that are important to you and your family.
For more information about the new warning system and testing schedule, visit the official AusAlert information pages: https://www.ausalert.gov.au/
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