Open accessibility guideSkip to sections navigationSkip to contentSkip to footerAdvertisementPoliticsFederalEmergency servicesAn emergency alert will sound on virtually every Australian phone, at the same time, as the government tests its new warning system.Updated July 16, 2026 — 2:25pm,first published 2:18pmLoadingLatest in VideosVideo icon4:41Predictions for World Cup final, awardsVideo icon2:40Messi vs Yamal in dream World Cup finalVideo icon0:28The sixth tram fire in SydneyVideo icon2:58Footage shown at the Queensland inquiry into the CFMEUAdvertisementTwitterFacebookInstagramRSSOur SitesThe AgeThe Sydney Morning HeraldBrisbane TimesWAtodayThe Australian Financial Reviewnine.com.auDriveClassifiedsTributesPlace your adThe AgeContact & supportAdvertise with usNewslettersAccessibility guideSitemapPhoto salesPurchase front pagesContent licensingWork with usTerms of usePrivacy policyPress CouncilCharter of Editorial IndependenceAI Editorial GuidelinesProducts & ServicesSubscription packagesMy accountSubscriber FAQsDelivery statusToday’s PaperGood Food GuideDaily PuzzlesCopyright © 2026Subscribe
We’ll all get this annoying alarm. But what could it be used for?
An emergency alert will sound on virtually every Australian phone, at the same time, as the government tests its new warning system.
114 words~1 min read
