Media Release | 27 July 2026
Hon. Rob Horstman MLC
Shadow Minister for Emergency Services
Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Hon. Rob Horstman MLC has called on the Federal Government to carefully examine all feedback from today’s national AusAlert test and be transparent about any shortcomings identified, warning the new system must match the functionality of the existing Emergency Alert system before it replaces it in Western Australia.
Mr Horstman said concerns had been raised by Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm that AusAlert does not currently include URLs linking people directly to Emergency WA and other real-time emergency information.
“WA currently relies on the text-based Emergency Alert system, which many have experienced during the recent bushfire and cyclone seasons,” Mr Horstman said.
“This system includes links to Emergency WA, ensuring real-time information is sent to those most at risk. In an emergency, up-to-date and correct information is critical when deciding whether to stay or leave.”
Mr Horstman said Emergency WA remained the most reliable source of emergency information and warned AusAlert must provide the same level of access and detail if it is to replace the current system.
He also raised concerns about the system’s compatibility and accessibility, noting reports that some older devices and tablets may not receive alerts, while people with disability, users of assistive technologies, and those living in remote areas could face additional challenges.
“Another key flaw with AusAlert, I have already had feedback on, is that it isn’t delivered as a text message. If people miss or dismiss the initial pop-up, there’s no simple way to refer back to the alert later. In an emergency, critical information must be easy to access when it’s needed, not just when it first appears.”
Mr Horstman said further clarity was needed for regional Western Australians who rely on landlines due to limited or no mobile coverage.
“There are many West Australians, especially those in regional WA with no cellular service that rely solely on their landlines,” he said.
“To accompany the AusAlert system we need the infrastructure to ensure these people aren’t left in the dark during an emergency and provided the same warnings and detail as mobile users.”
Mr Horstman said the national test had provided an important opportunity to identify gaps in the system before its full rollout.
“The Government must carefully consider all feedback received from today’s test and be transparent about any issues identified and how they will be addressed,” he said.
“Emergency warning systems must be reliable, accessible and provide the information people need to make critical decisions during an emergency.
“If AusAlert is to replace existing systems, it must at a minimum match the capabilities Western Australians currently rely upon and ensure no one is left behind.”
ENDS
