22/07/2026
On Monday 27 July, every phone in Australia will sound a loud ten second siren at the same time. It’s a test of AusAlert, the government’s new emergency warning system, and it cannot be turned off. It will sound even on silent, even on do not disturb.
For a lot of women, family violence starts in pregnancy or after the baby is born, and where it already exists, that’s when it most often escalates. That’s why we’re posting this, because the women who follow this page are exactly who this test puts at risk.
For most of us it’s a few loud seconds and then it’s over. But for anyone keeping a hidden safe phone, this test could give away the one thing keeping them safe.
If that’s you, here’s what to do:
👉 One hour before the test time in your state, turn that phone off or switch it to aeroplane mode
👉 Keep it off or in aeroplane mode for 24 hours. The alert stays live after the test time, so turning it back on early can still set it off
👉 No SIM doesn’t mean safe. Old phones without a SIM can still receive this alert
👉Hidden tablets and smartwatches will sound too
👉If you can’t keep it off that long, give it to someone you trust or leave it somewhere away from you for the day
Our audience is almost entirely women, and women are at the highest statistical risk, which is why this video speaks to women. But family violence doesn’t only affect women. Men keep safe phones too, and everything in this post applies to anyone hiding a device to stay safe, whoever they are. If that’s you, the same steps will protect you on Monday.
Test times Monday 27 July:
⏰ VIC, NSW, ACT, QLD, TAS: 2pm
⏰ SA, NT: 1:30pm
⏰ WA: 12pm
⏰ Christmas Island: 11am
For more information, including guidance written specifically for anyone with a safe phone, head to ausalert.gov.au
If you or someone you know needs support, 1800RESPECT is available 24 hours a day on 1800 737 732, online at 1800respect.org.au. In an emergency, always call 000.
We never know who’s living with this, and we never know who we might be helping. Share this far and wide, and let’s come together to keep women and children safe on Monday.
With love, Ni