July 20, 2026 — 2:38pmAustralians in domestic violence situations are being urged to turn off safe phones as the government prepares to test its new nationwide emergency alert system, as advocates warn the siren will also sound through devices on silent or do not disturb.On Monday, July 27, a test alert siren will ring out from every mobile device in the country. All mobile phones – as well as some smartwatches and tablets – will vibrate and play a warning sound for 10 seconds.A nationwide test of the new AusAlert system will still sound on safe phones on silent or do not disturb.Monique WestermannThe new countrywide AusAlert system will replace patchwork state-based emergency alert systems by October. AusAlert can be triggered on virtually all devices with a sim card within a designated area, from nationwide to street-by-street messages.AusAlert will be used to issue a wide range of warnings including natural disasters, threats to public safety, as well as biosecurity and health threats, such as a disease outbreak.However, experts have warned that victim-survivors of domestic violence who rely on safe, secret or hidden phones could be endangered by the alert.Hannah Tonkin, Women’s Safety Commissioner for NSW, said there was a real concern for people who used a hidden phone to access safety and support services.“The alert may unintentionally expose their devices,” she said.To ensure a hidden phone does not receive the alert, Tonkin recommended turning off the device at least one hour before the test and leaving it off for at least one hour after the test concludes.Alternatively, she said, you can switch the device onto aeroplane mode for the same length of time.Tonkin also urged anyone who might be worried about their safety to leave their phones with a safe person, such as a trusted friend or family member.NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Hannah Tonkin.Simon Schluter“Everyone’s situation is different … It’s important that people experiencing domestic and family violence do what is best for their safety.”Safe phones can be a lifeline for domestic violence victims.Perpetrators routinely use location-sharing features, hidden tracking apps and surveillance tactics to control and monitor their victims. A victim’s mobile phone is often the first thing a perpetrator takes, breaks or monitors in an abusive relationship.Charities such as the Women’s Services Network (WESNET) and DV Safe Phone repurpose smartphones to donate to victim-survivors of domestic violence.Between 2015 and 2025, WESNET provided more than 50,000 safe phones to women who had fled or were trying to flee domestic violence. In the past year alone, they have provided nearly 8000.WESNET chief executive Karen Bentley says the demand for safe phones had increased alongside the rise of technology-facilitated abuse.“We’re seeing technology used to humiliate people online. We’re seeing it to track people, so we see a whole range of different types of weaponisation technology by people who use violence to abuse … It’s really universal now, unfortunately,” she said.Times of national alert testing in each stateThe test alert will be sent at the same time on Monday 27 July.Australian Capital Territory (ACT) – 2.00 pm (AEST – UTC+10:00)New South Wales (NSW) 2.00 pm (AEST – UTC+10:00)Queensland (Qld) 2.00 pm (AEST – UTC+10:00)Tasmania (Tas) 2.00 pm (AEST – UTC+10:00)Victoria (Vic) 2.00 pm (AEST – UTC+10:00)Northern Territory (NT) 1.30 pm (ACST – UTC+9:30)South Australia (SA, incl. Broken Hill) 1.30 pm (ACST – UTC+9:30)Western Australia (WA) 12.00 pm (AWST – UTC+8:00)Source: AusAlert, Australian Government “Anybody who’s in a situation potentially where they’ve got a phone, which, if it went off unexpectedly would cause them a problem, they’re the people we’re trying to get to.”Some social media users have accused the government of failing to protect women and children who are already vulnerable.One comment unde an Instagram post about the July 27 test alert read: “I don’t think this initiative was thought through at all.”Others warned that the AusAlert page omitted important information.A spokesperson from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the body responsible for AusAlert, said they recognised the “serious concerns” the alert raised for people who relied on a hidden safety phone.“NEMA has worked with domestic and family violence organisations, including WESNET and the National Alliance of Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services, to develop targeted safety information for people who may be at risk, and via these networks, ensure messaging goes directly to people most at risk,” they said.“Our advice is to keep hidden safety phones switched off or in aeroplane mode for at least one hour after the test.”According to tracking by Australian Femicide Watch, at least 36 women have died from domestic and family violence in Australia so far in 2026.Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). Anyone affected by sexual, domestic or family violence can also access 24/7, free and confidential trauma-specialist counselling through Full Stop Australia (1800 385 578).Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.Emily Kaine is a national news blogger at The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via email.From our partners