00:00We want people to know this is the sound that they will get for AusAlert.
00:05AusAlert's test alarms have begun sounding off on phones in regional areas ahead of a nationwide
00:11test scheduled for 2pm on Monday, July 27, 2026. The loud, intrusive siren-like warning plays for
00:20about 10 seconds and is accompanied by a message which will appear on device home screens for
00:25users in affected geographical areas. The warning system will be used in the future during any
00:31emergency situations including bushfires, floods, biosecurity threats and public safety incidents
00:38like a shooting. A link will also be sent to the device to help users know more information about
00:45the unfolding emergency situation from official online sources. The system is expected to be
00:51fully implemented in October pending the software tests. The AusAlerts system represents a $132
01:00million overhaul of the previous state-based text messaging systems which lacked nationwide
01:06consistency and often struggled to meet demand during major emergencies. About 35 countries around
01:13the world have already implemented a similar alert system. The system is designed to deploy on most
01:20phones released since 2019 and may also work on smart watches, CarPlay systems and other connected
01:27devices. There will be no way to opt out of receiving the test messages or any future high-level
01:34critical alert alarms. Ahead of the test period, NSW Women's Safety Commissioner Dr Hannah Tonkin shared
01:41advice for domestic violence victim survivors who may rely on a hidden phone.
01:54Dr Tonkin advises hidden phones be switched off or be put into aeroplane mode before the planned
02:01test at 2pm on July 27. Hidden phones should also be left switched off or in aeroplane mode for at
02:08least an
02:08hour after the test.
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