Source : Perth Now news
Advocates are warning a nationwide emergency alert test could expose people using secret safety phones when a 10-second siren sounds on mobile devices.
The emergency warning system, to be used during local and national disasters, is being tested across several locations this week including in the outer Sydney suburb of Liverpool on Wednesday, before a wider test is rolled out in July.
A loud alarm and message will be sent to mobile phones during the test, prompting fears it could compromise the location of secret safety phones.
Victim-survivors having access to a safe phone that can’t be tracked or monitored for emergency communications has been recommended by DV Safe Phone chief executive Ashton Wood.
A Safe and Equal spokeswoman told AAP on Wednesday that victim-survivors should take extra precautions ahead of testing in their location.
“This could mean leaving the device with a trusted friend or family member during the testing period, if it’s safe to do so,” the spokeswoman said.
“It could also include a plan for if the person using violence discovers the hidden device.
“For example, keeping a bag packed, keys handy, important documents in a spot you can grab if you need to leave quickly, and briefing children on what to do if things become unsafe.”
Local tests will occur targeting a range of urban, regional and remote areas around the country, including Geelong in Victoria, Tennant Creek in the NT, Goomalling in WA and Port Lincoln in SA.
A NSW-ACT border test will also be performed around Queanbeyan, near Canberra.
The tests will run until Saturday, before the nationwide rollout on July 27 at 2PM AEST.
People are urged to switch off their safety phone or place it in aeroplane mode at least an hour before the test and leave it off for 24 hours, before turning it back on away from home if possible and ensuring any children’s safety devices are also switched off.
“If someone finds themselves in a situation where the AusAlert does come through and they are not safe, please call the police straight away and enact your safety plan,” the spokeswoman added.
Officials believe about 90 per cent of all phones will be compatible with the new AusAlert system, with the alert set to bypass phone settings such as silent or “do not disturb” modes.
It’s expected to be used during the 2026-27 summer, and in conjunction with the current SMS system, which will be phased out in July 2027.
The $132 million AusAlert system will come online in October.
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