Media Release with the Hon. Kristy McBain MP (Minister for Emergency Management) and Dr Marisa Paterson MLA (ACT Minister for Emergency Services)

The Albanese Government’s new cell-broadcast national messaging system, AusAlert, will send a test alert in Canberra tomorrow.

The first AusAlert community-based trial will occur at a defined location in the ACT at 10:30am local time.

The test will be localised to the Molonglo Valley in close proximity to the new Emergency Services Station. People in nearby suburbs including Coombs, Wright, Duffy and Holder may receive an alert depending on their location settings. Others may not receive a message, as this trial is not designed to reach all phones.

Mobile devices within the test area may vibrate and play a siren-like warning sound for about 10 seconds. An AusAlert message will appear on device screens, and it will clearly say it is a test.

AusAlert uses the latest technology to send emergency messages to compatible mobile devices during local and national disasters such as:

• natural hazards like bushfires, floods, cyclones and tsunamis
• security threats
• public health emergencies
• biosecurity incidents.

AusAlert messages are a fast and reliable way to help people be informed and better prepared during local and national emergencies. Alerts can be sent to devices within a geo-targeted area.

Further community-based trials are planned for all states and territories in June, followed by a national on Monday 27 July at 2:00pm AEST.

More information about the community-based trials and national test, including what the AusAlert will look and sound like and how to opt-out of the trial, can be found on the AusAlert website.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain MP:

“AusAlert is a game changer, using the latest technology to help authorities deliver near-real-time messages to precise locations, or scaled up to a national level.

“This is an exciting new milestone in AusAlert’s development. Our community-based trials are a key part of preparing for AusAlert’s introduction, helping us identify and fix any potential issues and raise public awareness.

“The Albanese Government is serious about ensuring Australians receive warnings during emergencies to help people make informed decisions and take actions that save lives and properties.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Bean David Smith MP:

“The development of AusAlert is a big step forward for emergency management in our community and across the country, and it is great to have the next round of trials taking place here in Bean.

“Whilst we all hope that the natural disasters that have devastated our community never occur again, this system will ensure we are informed and better prepared if disaster does strike.

“The Albanese Labor Government is dedicated to working across all jurisdictions to ensure that our community is resilient in the face of emergency; so we can all be informed and take responsible actions in times of crisis.”

Quotes attributable to ACT Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Dr Marisa Paterson MLA:

“The implementation of AusAlert marks a major step forward in strengthening emergency communications with the ACT community. The ACT Government is proud to work alongside the Commonwealth as the first jurisdiction to adopt this new system.

“This is an important capability for our police and emergency services personnel, helping ensure critical information reaches the Canberra community quickly when it matters most.”