People with secret 'safe phones' advised to turn off devices during national test of AusAlert emergency warning
News Source
β’Wed, 22 Jul 2026 05:54:00 GMT
π° What Happened
Domestic violence campaigners have advised people with secret 'safe phones' to turn them off during the AusAlert national test. The test will blast a 10-second siren that cannot be silenced. The warning comes from the National Emergency Management Agency and domestic violence advocates. They fear the loud alert could expose hidden phones to abusers.
Some state governments also had reservations about the test. But the federal government has confirmed it will go ahead on Monday 27 July at 2pm AEST. The system is set to officially launch in October. It was built after the Black Summer bushfire royal commission recommended a better national warning system.
π The Backstory
Safe phones are secret devices kept by people in abusive relationships. They are hidden from partners or family members who might be monitoring their main phone. A loud, unsilenceable alert could reveal the phone's existence, putting the person in danger. This is a serious concern for domestic violence survivors.
The AusAlert system is designed to reach more people than the current SMS-based alerts. But the test has highlighted a tension between public safety and individual safety. The government has acknowledged the issue and advised people to turn off phones if needed. However, advocates say the advice is not enough and that the system should have been designed differently from the start.
π― Why It Matters
If you or someone you know has a hidden phone for safety, this test could put them at risk. It shows how well-meaning public safety systems can have unintended consequences.
Domestic violence campaigners have advised people with secret 'safe phones' to turn them off during the AusAlert national test. The test will blast a 10-second siren that cannot be silenced. The warning comes from the National Emergency Management Agency and domestic violence advocates. They fear the loud alert could expose hidden phones to abusers.
Some state governments also had reservations about the test. But the federal government has confirmed it will go ahead on Monday 27 July at 2pm AEST. The system is set to officially launch in October. It was built after the Black Summer bushfire royal commission recommended a better national warning system.
Safe phones are secret devices kept by people in abusive relationships. They are hidden from partners or family members who might be monitoring their main phone. A loud, unsilenceable alert could reveal the phone's existence, putting the person in danger. This is a serious concern for domestic violence survivors.
The AusAlert system is designed to reach more people than the current SMS-based alerts. But the test has highlighted a tension between public safety and individual safety. The government has acknowledged the issue and advised people to turn off phones if needed. However, advocates say the advice is not enough and that the system should have been designed differently from the start.
If you or someone you know has a hidden phone for safety, this test could put them at risk. It shows how well-meaning public safety systems can have unintended consequences.