Australia’s new emergency warning system will run a national AusAlert test on Monday 27 July 2026. In Queensland, the test is scheduled for 2:00pm. There will be early testing in June 2026 in Port Douglas.
This article explains:
1. What the AusAlert test does;
2. Why it may increase risk in domestic violence situations;
3. How to reduce harm;
4. How to protect evidence; and
5. A simple safety checklist.
What Is AusAlert?
AusAlert is Australia’s national emergency alert system, run by the National Emergency Management Agency.
It sends emergency warnings directly to mobile phones in a specific area using cell broadcast technology.
An AusAlert message will tell you:
1. What the emergency is;
2. Where it is happening;
3. How serious it is;
4. What you should do;
5. Who the message is from; and
6. Where to find more information.
When AusAlert may be used for the following purposes:
- Natural hazards, such as bushfires, floods, cyclones and tsunamis;
- Public safety and security threats, such as serious public safety incidents or terrorism;
- Biosecurity incidents, such as animal or plan disease and biohazard outbreaks; and
- Health emergencies, such as pandemics, or other public health events.
Important Safety Facts
During serious alerts:
1. Phones may make a loud sound and vibration
2. Alerts can override silent and Do Not Disturb
3. Phones may receive alerts without an active SIM card
This matters if:
1. You keep a hidden or secondary phone
2. Someone monitors your phone use
3. Someone checks your devices or accounts
Removing the SIM card may not stop the alert.
Official AusAlert Test Times – 27 July 2026
Queensland 2:00pm AEST
New South Wales 2:00pm AEST
Victoria 2:00pm AEST
Tasmania 2:00pm AEST
ACT 2:00pm AEST
South Australia 1:30pm ACST
Northern Territory 1:30pm ACST
Western Australia 12:00pm AWST
Christmas Island 11:00am CXT
Why the AusAlert Test Can Be Risky
If you are experiencing domestic or family violence, a loud emergency alert can:
1. Reveal a hidden phone;
2. Trigger suspicion;
3. Cause escalation;
4. Lead to device searches; and
5. Result in evidence being deleted.
Technology monitoring is recognised under Queensland domestic violence law as a form of abuse.
If someone monitors your devices, even changing settings can increase risk.
Your safety is the priority.
How To Stay Safe During The AusAlert Test
1. Decide Which Phone Is Safe to Be Visible
- Before 2:00pm:
- Identify which device can safely receive the alert
- Make sure that phone is charged.
2. Plan for a Hidden or Secondary Phone
- Because alerts may override silent mode:
- Options to consider (only if safe):
a) Temporarily power off the hidden phone before 2:00pm
b) Use airplane mode (not guaranteed)
c) Store it somewhere that reduces vibration noise
Important:
e) Removing the SIM card is not reliable
f) Turning it off means you cannot use it in an emergency during that time
g) Choose the safest option for your situation.
3. Review Lock Screen Privacy (Only If Safe)
- If your phone is not monitored:
- Turn off notification previews
- Remove widgets showing messages or contacts
- Use a secure PIN or password
- If someone regularly checks your phone, changing settings may increase risk.
4. Protect Evidence
If you are collecting evidence
– Do:
a) Save screenshots carefully
b) Keep full message threads
c) Store copies in a secure account with two-factor authentication
d) Email copies to a safe private email (if safe)
– Do not:
a) Edit or crop screenshots
b) Highlight over images
c) Delete original messages
d) Some apps notify when screenshots are taken.
– If unsure, speak to a support service first.
5. Be Careful With Remote Wipe
Both for Apple (Find My Device erase) and Google (Find My Device erase) allow remote erasing of phones.
– This can:
a) Protect you if a phone is taken
b) Destroy important evidence
c) Alert shared accounts
– Get advice before wiping a phone that contains evidence.
If the Alert Sounds
- Step 1: Are You Safe?
- If not safe → Call 000.
- If safe → Continue.
Step 2: Is This a Hidden or Monitored Phone?
If yes:
- Follow your safety plan
- Silence or power off if safe
- Leave the area if necessary
If no:
- It is only a test
- No action is required
Legal and Support Help in Queensland
If you need help:
1) Queensland Police Service
2) Emergency: 000
3) Non-urgent: 131 444
4) DVConnect (24/7)
5) 1800RESPECT (24/7)
6) DV Safe Phone
You may be able to apply for:
1) A Domestic Violence Order (DVO); or
2) A Police Protection Direction (PPD)
Quick Safety Checklist – Queensland (27 July 2026)
Before 2:00pm AEST:
- Decide which phone is safest to receive the alert;
- Make a plan for any hidden phone;
- Keep your visible phone charged;
- Review lock screen privacy (if safe);
- Store evidence securely; and
- Save emergency numbers.
If the alert happens:
- Check if you are safe;
- Follow your plan;
- Protect yourself first; and
- Collect evidence only if safe.
Summary
1) Plan ahead.
2) Keep yourself safe.
3) Your safety is more important than any phone setting.
Elysian Law is experienced in domestic and family violence matters and can assist you in navigating this process whether you are a respondent, aggrieved or named person. We are here to help you through this difficult legal process.
It is important that before you seek a review or speak to police about domestic violence matters you obtain specialised legal advice, to ensure you have all the information you need to navigate the system.
For more information please visit these pages:
At Elysian Law, our team is committed to providing expert legal guidance tailored to your unique needs.
Supportive Services
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, support is available:
Emergency: Call 000 (triple zero) if you are in immediate danger.
1800RESPECT – 24/7 National Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service
Call 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800respect.org.auDV Connect (Queensland) – 24-hour crisis support for women
Call 1800 811 811 | www.dvconnect.orgMensline Australia – Support for men
Call 1300 78 99 78 | www.mensline.org.au
Author: Laura Summerville
