New emergency alert system for Australian phones in 2026
A new mobile alert system will be launched in Australian in October 2026.
The alert will trigger a loud alarm from mobile phones within 160 metres of an impacted area, along with an urgent SMS message.
The alert will replace the old SMS alerts to provide a lifeline for people caught up in life-threatening situations.
The rollout of AusAlert comes in response to the 2020 Royal Commission into National Nature Disaster Arrangements, with the commission ruling that emergency warning systems, including mobile alerts, are critical during disasters.
The alert will identify the type of hazard that they are facing, its severity, whereabouts and importantly what action to take.
All phones made in 2019 onwards will be compatible with the system, with testing on older phones ongoing.
The system will consist of two notifications:
- a critical alert that will sound a loud siren from the phone; and
- a second message that will detail priority information.
The $132 million system is slated to replace the current state-based SMS emergency alerts, and a nationwide test of the program is scheduled across the country on 27 July at 2pm.
AusAlert messages will look different to the current text-based message systems by appearing on locked screens of mobile devices and exist outside of the standard text messaging app.
The system will prioritise natural disasters, however, notifications can also be sent to alert people nearby to other life-threatening situations, such as serious public safety incidents or terrorism.
The technology is already used by more than 30 countries for emergency warning communications.