Hidden safe phones could ring during AusAlert emergency test

On 27 July 2026 at 2pm AEST, Australia's first nationwide AusAlert test will trigger a 10-second siren on compatible phones, overriding silent and do-not-disturb settings. NEMA and domestic violence advocates warn the siren could expose secret phones kept by victim-survivors, and urge anyone with a hidden device to turn it off for up to 24 hours.