Nationwide 'Australia Alert' emergency test to sound on every mobile phone - with warning issued to those cheating on partners

By SAMANTHA LOCK and MAISY RAE - NEWS REPORTER Published: 22:26, 26 July 2026 | Updated: 22:26, 26 July 2026 A nationwide test of a new emergency warning system will see a 10-second siren sound on mobile phones across the country, prompting warnings that Australians hiding secret second phones for illicit relationships could have their devices exposed. The AusAlert national emergency alert system is due to replace the current national warning system from October 2026, aiming to provide alerts for bushfires, floods, and other natural disasters. Mobile phones around the nation will blast out a 10-second siren at 2pm AEST on Monday as part of a nationwide test of Australia's new emergency warning system. The test will be classed as a 'critical alert', meaning devices will vibrate or make the sound even if they are on silent or in Do Not Disturb mode. Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain described the technology as a 'more modern, more capable system that will deliver emergency alerts to more people in a more timely manner than the existing text-based emergency alert system'. The AusAlert system was created following the 2020 Royal Commission into Natural Disaster Management to address gaps in existing state-based emergency alerts. 'This is simply a test,' Ms McBain told reporters on Sunday. 'In an actual event, an AusAlert will tell you what the type of emergency is, where it's located, and how serious it is.' Australians with a secret relationship have been warned the Monday alert trial could reveal a  hidden second phones Mobile phones around the nation will blast out a 10-second siren at 2pm (AEST) on July 27 'It will also tell you the name of the emergency organisation that has sent it, and where to find more information in the case of that emergency.' Ms McBain emphasized the system would work alongside existing warning channels such as websites, radio, social media, television, and community outreach. 'This is another tool in the toolkit for emergency service organisations,' she said. While it is designed to operate as a standalone national system, some states and territories will continue to use their own alerts when AusAlert comes into effect in October. Some jurisdictions have raised concerns, including how those who rely on landlines and non-English-speaking households will be protected. Others say domestic violence victim-survivors may become more isolated from friends and family if the warning system severs a vital link to support networks, as some keep a hidden mobile device for their safety. It could also expose people cheating on their partners who have a second phone. The Daily Mail dating and relationship columnist Jana Hocking said she would be 'popping the popcorn and pulling up a front-row seat' for anyone caught out by the alert. Daily Mail dating columnist Jana Hocking said the trial would do the 'detective work' for anyone with suspicions their partner may be cheating  'If I were sitting at home and suddenly heard a phone I didn't recognise blaring somewhere in the house, I would be locating that sound with the speed and precision of a sniffer dog,' she said. 'There are going to be some truly spectacular excuses flying around at 2pm because it's rather hard to explain why a mystery phone has suddenly announced itself to the entire household.' Ms Hocking said the test means those who are suspicious of their partner don't need to launch a full-scale search before Monday. 'At 2pm, stand still, listen carefully and let the government do the detective work for you,' she said. 'The new system is designed to warn Australians about danger, and for some people, the danger may turn out to be sitting right beside them on the couch.' However, dating and relationship coach Susie Kim said she is unsure how many cheaters with a second phone will actually be discovered. She said most would likely be older people. 'I have seen people where a second phone has been involved, but most people who cheat just use their normal phone,' she told the Daily Mail. 'It's pretty easy to use different apps or delete messages. It's pretty old school to have a second phone nowadays.' 'If this catches you completely out of the blue, I think it's time to take a step back and take stock of where your relationship is at and what conversations you have and haven't had,' Ms Kim said.