A new national emergency messaging system will be tested across Australia on 27 July 2026, with a strong focus on accessibility and inclusive communication throughout the rollout.

Australia is preparing to introduce a new national emergency messaging system designed to deliver faster and more targeted warnings during crises.

Known as AusAlert, the system uses cell broadcast technology to send alerts directly to mobile devices within affected geographic areas, helping authorities communicate quickly during emergencies such as bushfires, floods, severe storms and national incidents.

National Emergency Management Agency Deputy Coordinator-General (DCG) for Emergency Management and Response, Katarina Carroll, said AusAlert was being designed to help emergency services deliver clear, timely and reliable warnings when every second counts.

In an emergency, clear and timely information can save lives, which is why AusAlert is being developed to help warnings reach people in affected areas as quickly as possible.
— DCG Katarina Carroll, National Emergency Management Agency

“Accessibility has been central to this work from the beginning. We know Australians receive and act on information in different ways, so we are working with disability advocates, D/deaf and those in communities who live with hearing loss and other stakeholders to make AusAlert as clear, accessible and useful as possible.

“The national public test on 27 July will be an important opportunity to test the system at scale, gather feedback and continue improving AusAlert before it becomes fully operational later this year.”

Unlike traditional text message alerts, AusAlert messages are designed to appear prominently on devices, with some alerts able to override silent or do-not-disturb settings when there is an immediate threat to safety.

Accessibility has been a key consideration throughout the system’s development, with the Australian Government working closely with underrepresented communities, including D/deaf cohorts, multicultural communities and community sector partners, to ensure alerts are clear, accessible and effective for all Australians.

Accessibility measures include:

• Auslan-supported explainer materials
• Easy English resources
• Testing with assistive technologies
• Tailored communications for deaf and hard of hearing communities
• Information designed for carers, advocates and support services

Community-based trials were held across nine locations nationally throughout June, with a national public test scheduled for 27 July 2026 at 2pm AEST.

The rollout reflects a growing recognition that emergency communication must consider the diverse ways Australians receive and process information.

Issues raised during stakeholder workshops included message accessibility, compatibility with assistive technologies, anxiety caused by unclear alerts, and the importance of providing information in formats suitable for people with low literacy or different communication needs.

AusAlert is expected to become fully operational nationally by October 2026.