Australia's AusAlert Test: Safe Phones Advised Off

Australia is proceeding with a national test of its new AusAlert emergency alert system on Monday afternoon, which will emit a ten-second siren on most mobile phones. The federal government confirmed the test will proceed despite reservations from some state governments. This nationwide alert aims to test the system's reach and effectiveness in disseminating critical information during emergencies.

Domestic violence campaigners and the National Emergency Management Agency have reiterated advice for individuals who possess 'safe phones' – devices kept hidden for personal safety – to consider turning them off for up to 24 hours following the test. The scheduled test is set for 2:00 PM AEST on Monday. This precaution is intended to prevent unintended alerts from compromising the safety of individuals relying on these discreet communication devices.

The AusAlert system is designed to be compatible with a range of devices. To receive the alert, users should have iPhones 11 or newer running iOS 26.4 or later, Apple Watch SE2, SE3, Series 6, or newer running watchOS 26.4 or later, or Android devices running Android 12 or later. The system's broad compatibility ensures that a significant portion of the Australian population will be able to receive emergency notifications.