AusAlert Community Testing Scheduled for June, Nationwide Testing to Take Place in July

AusAlert, the new national emergency system, is set to undergo testing in July.

This means most Australians will receive a mobile phone alert that month as part of the test.

AusAlert to Undergo Nationwide Testing in July

According to ABC News, the nationwide test will take place on July 27 at 2 p.m. AEST. As for who are set to receive the test alert, everyone in the country with a compatible mobile device will receive one.

The report also notes that AusAlert is expected to be fully operational by October of this year.

According to the National Emergency Management (NEMA), community tests have also been scheduled for June. The schedule of the community tests is as follows:

• 10 June – Majura, Australian Capital Territory (micro test at Emergency Services Agency headquarters)
• 15 June – Launceston, Tasmania
• 16 June – Port Douglas, Queensland
• 17 June – Liverpool, New South Wales
• 18 June – Tennant Creek, Northern Territory, and Geelong, Victoria
• 19 June – Goomalling, Western Australia
• 20 June – Port Lincoln, South Australia
• 21 June – Queanbeyan area, Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales
  (cross-border test)

What Else to Know About AusAlert

As the national emergency warning system, AusAlert will inform Australians of the following:

• What the emergency is
• Where it is happening
• How serious it is
• What you should do
• Who the message is from
• Where to find more information

According to NEMA, an AusAlert can be issued for the following emergencies:

• Natural hazards, such as bushfires, floods, cyclones and tsunamis
• Public safety and security threats, such as serious public safety incidents or terrorism
• Biosecurity incidents, such as animal or plant disease and biohazard outbreaks
• Health emergencies, such as pandemics or other national public health events

Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said that two types of alerts can be issued under this system. Priority alerts have been described by ABC News as less intrusive and allows users to opt out of receiving the messages.

Critical alerts, on the other hand, require more immediate action from the receiver of the message. These alerts will have a fixed volume, unique ringtone, and vibration. These cannot be disabled be the receiver.