Lead

Australia's new AusAlert emergency alert system will undergo a national test on Monday, with a 10-second siren sounding on most phones across the country. The federal government has confirmed the test will proceed despite reservations from some state governments, as domestic violence advocates raise concerns about the system's potential impact on survivors with hidden 'safe phones'.

The test, scheduled for 2pm AEST, will see most phones, along with some smartwatches and tablets, emit a loud siren for 10 seconds and receive a test alert notification pop-up. The National Emergency Management Agency (Nema) and domestic violence campaigners have advised people who may have secret phones kept hidden for personal safety reasons to consider turning off their devices for up to 24 hours after the test.

Coverage comparison

The federal government has confirmed the national test will go ahead despite reservations from some state governments, as reported by The Guardian — World. The Guardian noted that concerns emerged from several states, including Queensland and Western Australia, that AusAlert warnings would not reach landline phones, older devices, or those connected to satellite signals. According to the same report, the federal emergency management minister, Kristy McBain, said AusAlert was working to add voice alerts to reach landlines, and that the existing Emergency Alert system would continue running for this year while that capability was added.

ABC Australia focused on the potential impact on women experiencing domestic violence, particularly in remote and regional areas. The report quoted advocates who warn that AusAlert may disproportionately affect these women, as regional areas face higher rates of domestic violence and greater exposure to emergency events such as bushfires and cyclones. Both outlets highlighted the 'safe phone' risk, though ABC Australia provided more detailed advocacy perspectives.

Key claims

  • The test will trigger a 10-second siren and vibrations on most mobile phones at 2pm AEST on Monday, as reported by The Guardian — World. ABC Australia reported the test at Midday (AWST) on July 27.
  • The alert will sound even if phones are on silent or do not disturb mode, according to both sources.
  • Nema has guidelines for devices that will receive the alert, including iPhones 11 and up, Apple Watch SE2 and up, and Android devices running Android 12 or later, as detailed by The Guardian — World.
  • Some older phones may not receive the alert, a point also noted by The Guardian — World.
  • AusAlert is an improvement on current SMS-based alerts, which can be less reliable in disasters, according to the federal government, as reported by The Guardian — World.
  • The existing Emergency Alert system will continue running for this year while voice alert capability is added, as stated by Minister Kristy McBain in The Guardian — World.
  • AusAlert is slated to become operational on October 1 this year, as reported by ABC Australia; The Guardian — World said it is slated to come into effect from October.

Perspectives

Domestic violence advocates

Advocates, including Deb Murray, senior manager of women and family safety services at Communicare, and Ali White, chief executive of Harbour Domestic Violence service, express concern that AusAlert could expose 'safe phones' used by survivors of domestic violence. They argue that women in regional areas are more vulnerable due to higher rates of domestic violence and greater exposure to emergencies, and they are seeking more information from the government ahead of the rollout to provide advice to clients.

Federal government and Nema

The federal government, through Minister Kristy McBain, describes AusAlert as 'more capable' and 'far superior' technology, built on recommendations from the royal commission into the black summer bushfires. Nema has issued guidelines for compatible devices and advises those with safety concerns to turn off their phones for up to 24 hours after the test. The government acknowledges listening to state concerns and confirms that states are not forced to use the new system, with existing Emergency Alerts running alongside it for the high-risk weather season.

State governments

Several states, including Queensland and Western Australia, have voiced concerns that AusAlert warnings may not reach landline phones, older devices, or those connected to satellite signals, as reported by The Guardian — World. These reservations were raised ahead of an emergency services ministers' meeting, though the test has proceeded as scheduled.