As a family safety brand trusted by so many families with kids, we wanted to make sure you're across an important update: the Australian Government is testing a new national warning system, AusAlert, on Monday 27 July 2026. Given many of our Spacetalk families have children at school when this happens, we've summarised what you need to know below.

 

What is AusAlert? 

AusAlert is a new national warning system that uses cell-broadcast technology to send emergency messages for things like bushfires, severe weather, and public health emergencies — to compatible mobile devices. Before it officially launches in October 2026, the government is running a national test to check the system works across the country.

 

When is the test? 

On Monday 27 July, a test AusAlert will be sent to all compatible mobile devices at the same time:

  • 2:00pm AEST – QLD, NSW, ACT, VIC, TAS
  • 1:30pm ACST – NT, SA, Broken Hill (NSW)
  • 12:00pm AWST – WA

Will it come through on a Spacetalk watch? 

The AusAlert test message may come through on phones, tablets and smartwatches. Part of the reason for the test is to understand which devices it comes through on. It's classified as a Critical Alert, which means all compatible devices will vibrate, play a loud siren-like sound for about 10 seconds, and show a test message, even if the device is on silent or Do Not Disturb.

 

Critical Alerts override 'silent' or 'do not disturb' functions. If the AusAlert national test will disrupt you or cause you or someone you know to feel unsafe, turn mobile devices off or switch them to 'aeroplane mode' before the scheduled test time and leave them off for at least one hour.

 

More information: 

The Australian Government has put together information for children and teens, including a downloadable factsheet and the AusAlert sound, to help you and your child understand what AusAlert is and what to do if they receive it at school: [More information for children and teens →]

 

A few things worth knowing:

  • If you or your child does receive the test alert, no action is required - it's just a test.
  • Schools have been given guidance on the test and may also ask students to follow phone rules beforehand, like switching devices to aeroplane mode or turning off smartwatches.
  • If your child seems worried beforehand, letting them know it's expected and just a test can help.

You can find more general information at [ausalert.gov.au]

We hope this helps you feel prepared. 

0 comments