Testing of AusAlert system
A national test of the Australian Government's new emergency messaging system, AusAlert, will take place on Monday 27 July at 2pm AEST.
Following the completion of a local trial in the Belmont and Highton areas of Geelong this week (18 June), the national test will provide an opportunity to validate the system's critical alert function before it is officially launched later this year.
The local test was conducted as part of an initial series of trials designed to assess the performance of the new emergency alerting capability ahead of the national test and its expected launch later this year.
During the test in July, members should be aware that compatible mobile phones, smart watches and tablets may vibrate and emit a loud warning tone when the test message is received. The alert will clearly state that it is a test and no action is required.
If you are yet to hear the AusAlert tone you can listen it here.
Led by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), AusAlert has been developed in partnership with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts.
The system will provide Australian, state and territory emergency services authorities – including Emergency Management Victoria - with the ability to send alerts directly to communities during emergencies.
AusAlert may be used in response to a range of emergency situations including natural hazards, public safety and security threats, biosecurity incidents and health emergencies. In Victoria, AusAlert will complement existing warnings and advice issued through VicEmergency.
Following the national test, AusAlert is expected to be officially launched for operational use in October 2026.