For a few seconds, AusAlert blared around parks, libraries and cinemas – but some didn’t get the alert at all

The Guardian World Monday 27 July 2026, 06:49 UTC By Kat Wong 1 min read

Key Points

Federal government touts emergency warning alert test as a success and says no approach works 100% of the timeA blaring emergency warning alert Australians had been warned about was anti-climactic for some – and totally missed by others. Almost every phone in the country, alongside some smartwatches and tablets, was supposed to let off a loud noise at about 2pm AEST and receive a pop-up notification with the text “TEST MESSAGE” and “NO ACTION IS REQUIRED”.

Federal government touts emergency warning alert test as a success and says no approach works 100% of the time

A blaring emergency warning alert Australians had been warned about was anti-climactic for some – and totally missed by others.

Almost every phone in the country, alongside some smartwatches and tablets, was supposed to let off a loud noise at about 2pm AEST and receive a pop-up notification with the text “TEST MESSAGE” and “NO ACTION IS REQUIRED”.

AusAlert (ORG) Australians (ORG)

Originally published by The Guardian World Read original →

New research reveals deep anxieties. Medals and cash bonuses have been mooted as incentives, but the real need is for women to have their feelings valuedIt seems as though every week brings another news story on declining global birthrates. A number of political leaders have been panicking for a while, of course, instructing citizens to reproduce in tones so beguiling, who could possibly resist?

The Guardian UK 5m ago

Brazil recalls Argentina ambassador after Milei insults Lula at Flavio Bolsonaro campaign launch

Brazil recalls Argentina ambassador after Milei insults Lula at Flavio Bolsonaro campaign launch Brazil recalled its ambassador to Argentina Sunday after President Javier Milei referred to his Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as a "convict" and a "thief" during an event formally nominating right-wing candidate Flavio Bolsonaro to run in the presidential election. Argentina's president had flown to Brazil for the event with Bolsonaro, where he made a speech warning against a...

France 24 16m ago

UK preparing for wildfires similar to those that have torn through France and Spain, minister confirms

UK preparing for wildfires similar to those that have torn through France and Spain, minister confirms Fires have wrought destruction in mainland Europe this week, with 220,000 forced out of their homes in south-west France and 116,000 evacuated in Spain - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments The government is preparing for wildfires in the UK similar to those that have torn through France and Spain this summer, a minister has confirmed. Blazes have wrought destruction in mainland Europe this...

The Independent UK 17m ago

Former South Korea president Yoon handed suspended term over campaign lies

Former South Korea president Yoon handed suspended term over campaign lies Ruling adds to legal troubles for ousted leader who was sentenced to life in prison for insurrection earlier this year A South Korean court on Monday sentenced former president Yoon Suk-yeol to 18 months in prison, suspended for three years, after finding him guilty of violating the election law by making false statements during his 2022 presidential campaign. The sentence, if upheld through appeals, could force...

South China Morning Post 22m ago

For a few seconds, AusAlert blared around parks, libraries and cinemas – but some didn’t get the alert at all

Related Stories

Amid the social and political panic about falling birthrates, why not ask new mothers what they think? | Lucy Jones

Brazil recalls Argentina ambassador after Milei insults Lula at Flavio Bolsonaro campaign launch

UK preparing for wildfires similar to those that have torn through France and Spain, minister confirms

Former South Korea president Yoon handed suspended term over campaign lies