On Monday 27 July, millions of mobile phones across Australia will simultaneously emit a loud emergency alert as authorities test the nation’s new AusAlert system for the first time.

The nationwide test is designed to ensure Australians receive lifesaving warnings during emergencies such as natural disasters, public safety threats and biosecurity incidents.

But family and domestic violence advocates warn the mandatory alert could also create unintended safety risks for some victim–survivors.

Immigrant Women’s Speak Out Association in western Sydney says its biggest concern is for women who depend on hidden emergency phones to seek help.

While the government said it would adopt 35 of the 54 recommendations, it hasn’t explicitly specified which.