AusAlert – What is it, Why are they testing and how do I turn it off?

There’s been some decent messaging from the government in recent weeks about an upcoming test of the new AusAlert emergency warning system, sadly, it’s caused a lot of strange discourse online and I think we need to set the record straight.

AusAlert is our new “National Warning System” being managed by the National Emergency Management Agency. And here’s the thing folks, Australia is a long way behind the times on this, we’re playing catch up.

The idea is that using this system an alert can be sent to compatible mobile phones directly on screen, rather than relying on SMS as a way of contacting people.

As noted, we’re playing catch up. For YEARS I’ve had these alerts on my mobile when travelling. Mostly “amber alerts”, but I did once get an Earthquake warning – that’s a Critical one.

Alerts appear on your phone screen, and a loud horribly annoying noise plays – and because it plays on everyone’s phones, it really does make you sit up and wonder, or worry.

Why is AusAlert unique?

It’s LOUD – bloody loud. And it’s a very different sound to any other that your smartphone normally makes.

Also, it’s built to bypass any silence settings you might have active on your phone. It’s for emergencies you see, so of course, we want everyone to get the message.

Why not just SMS?

For a long time now you might have noticed the odd SMS from police or emergency services. We get these when there’s a missing child, or elderly person, or for other localised emergency alerts.

The Federal Agencies too could do this, for widespread or localised alerts. The Telcos can target these down to an area based on Mobile tower connectivity and location.

But, how many people filter out unknown SMS messages? How many phones are marking these as possible spam and they aren’t being seen?

The simple fact is that an SMS can go unnoticed.

AusAlert cannot. If there’s a bushfire alert, or flood or cyclone warning, AusAlert means everyone can get that message – and not miss it.

Can I turn off AusAlert?

There are several “levels” to AusAlert. Critical, and Priority. Some phones will also list other categories like State Alerts.

Basically, in the settings of some phones, under Notificaitons, you may find “AusAlert” and have the option to toggle OFF some features.

However, and importantly, CRITICAL AusAlerts CANNOT be turned off. The whole point of them is that they are critical alerts that everyone should see.

A missing child, albeit critical to the family, would not be sent as a critical alert, it would be a lower priority. A bushfire evacuation, or Cyclone warning – that’s critical.

Why is this a concern?

Let’s start with the (frankly only) key concern I’ve seen or read. People in domestic abuse situations are often in possession of a second phone that their abuser is not aware of, a phone they use to contact friends or family or emergency services. If their abuser knew about this phone it would be taken from them, and likely additional abuse would be the outcome.

This is the Victims of Domestic Abuse – the “Hidden Phone” concern – and it’s completely valid.

Next Monday, July 27, at around 2pm, the Government will run a test of the AusAlert system. This cannot be avoided.

Anyone in a situation like this or similar, should turn their phone OFF or put it in airplane mode.

They should do this (my advice) from Midday-4pm. This means it covers the entire testing window, scheduled for 2pm. Turning a phone on at 2.05pm or 2.45pm might still result in the message being sent.

Going forward, Alerts – from October, will not be pre-planned, they will be in emergencies only.

You cannot opt out of AusAlert, so my advice in this situation is to get a traditional “burner”. The cheapest, non-smart phone possible. Use for calls and texts, and no data. This will ensure you have the ability to contact those you need in times of need, but avoid AusAlerts on this secondary device.

The “Government” conspiracy

Honestly, this just pisses me off. People on social media with a distinct lack of brain cells and a need for far more tin foil in their lives suggesting that somehow this is the Goverment taking over your phone and using it to send messages to the people.

No, it’s not.

It’s for the National Emergency Management Agency to help keep people safe in – wait for it – NATIONAL EMERGENCIES.

Anything else is complete and utter bullshit, so ignore those people and frankly report them as nutjobs if the social platform allows it.

Will AusAlert be used for all emergency notifications – Police too?

Unfortunately right now, there isn’t a plan to expand it to the states. Why? I don’t know, politicians – enough said?

So you will still get SMS messages from Police, you still need to download a specific app for Fire alerts in your state and well, that’s just disappointing. I hope it expands, and soon.

When will AusAlert be tested?

Until then, the national emergency warning TEST will be sent out on Monday July 27

The test alert will be sent at the same time on Monday 27 July.

New South Wales (NSW)

2:00 pm

Queensland (Qld)

2:00 pm

Tasmania (Tas)

2:00 pm

Victoria (Vic)

2:00 pm

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

2:00 pm

Northern Territory (NT)

1:30 pm

South Australia (SA, incl. Broken Hill)

1:30 pm

Western Australia (WA)

12:00 pm