Albanese Concedes National Emergency Alerts System Not Ready for Cyclone Alfred

Announced in May 2023, the NMS aims to improve emergency communication with real-time mobile alerts. It was expected to be operational by the end of 2024.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a Cabinet meeting Melbourne, Australia on Feb. 24, 2025. AAP Image/James Ross

As Australia battles Cyclone Alfred, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has admitted that the National Messaging System (NMS), designed to replace existing state-led text message warnings, was not made operational in time due to its complex nature.

“I prefer it was ready, but it’s been complex to deliver,” Albanese told reporters in Canberra on March 6.

He emphasised the need for rigorous testing before rolling out the system, stating, “You have to be 100 percent sure that it’s ready to go before you turn it online.”

Despite the delay, Albanese assured that the current Emergency Alert System remains effective and is still the primary warning method for extreme weather. Emergency services continue to use it to reach at-risk communities.

What is the National Messaging System?

Announced in May 2023, the NMS is designed to enhance emergency communication through cell broadcast technology, delivering real-time alerts to mobile devices during crises.

The system will enable faster, prioritised messaging from trusted sources, ensuring timely warnings during disasters.

It will also support multi-language alerts, allowing authorities to communicate critical safety information in English and a second language to reach multicultural communities.

A key feature of the NMS is its location-based targeting, which can deliver messages to devices within a 160-metre radius.

Additionally, the system will override phone settings, ensuring emergency messages are received even if devices are in “Do Not Disturb” mode.

The Albanese government also allocated $10.1 million for a Public Safety Mobile Broadband (PSMB) capability, which will provide first responders with fast and secure voice, video, and data communications during emergencies.

This initiative aims to enhance coordination among emergency services and improve response times.

Delays Scrutinised

Shadow Communications Minister Melissa McIntosh criticised the government for breaking its promise, stating that the NMS will not be operational until at least 2027, well beyond the expected end-2024 launch.

“The prime minister admitted today that he has failed to launch the National Messaging System (NMS) in time for the cyclone that is bearing down on Queensland and New South Wales,” McIntosh said.

She also claimed that the Coalition originally funded the NMS in the 2022 Budget under the Morrison government to ensure reliable emergency communications for disaster-affected communities.

While Communications Minister Michelle Rowland previously stated the system would take 18 months to implement, delays in signing contracts mean the first stage is only now being delivered.

Shadow Minister for Emergency Management Perin Davey also criticised the Albanese Government for failing to prioritise the NMS, claiming it has been placed in the “too hard or don’t care” basket alongside PSMB.