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South Australia's New Defibrillator Mandate

From 1 January 2025, South Australia will lead the nation with groundbreaking legislation that places life-saving defibrillators front and centre in public spaces.

This groundbreaking initiative, driven by the Automated External Defibrillators (Public Access) Act 2022,   will make AEDs more accessible than ever – AED Authority is here to help you prepare.

We support this landmark public health step because it gives South Australians the tools they need to act fast, save lives, and create a truly heart-safe state.

Why This Matters

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is one of Australia’s leading causes of death, claiming over 33,000 lives each year and without intervention, 90% of victims don’t survive.

  • Without defibrillation, the survival rate is just 5%

  • With early defibrillation, survival jumps to up to 74% when an AED is used within the first 3–5 minutes

  • Ambulance response times average 13 minutes in South Australia — tragically that’s too late

  • Every minute without a defibrillator reduces the chance of survival by 10%

This legislation closes the gap between collapse and care. By placing AEDs where people live, work, travel, and gather, South Australia is giving its communities a real chance to survive cardiac arrest.

This legislation will save lives.

What the SA Defibrillator Law Requires

Under the new Automated External Defibrillators (Public Access) Act 2022 and its accompanying 2024 Regulations, AEDs must be installed in a broad range of public-access environments, with phased implementation.

From 1 January 2025

Crown Land Compliance Begins:

Under the South Australian (SA) AED legislation, the first phase of the mandate applies to buildings and vehicles that are owned by the Crown or operated by a South Australian government agency.

From this date, the following entities must have defibrillators (AEDs) installed and accessible in accordance with the SA AED law:

AEDs must be installed in:

🏛️ State Government Buildings

  • All state-run administrative offices, service centres and public-facing departments.

  • Examples include Service SA locations, housing offices and transport authority branches.

🚓 Emergency Service Vehicles

  • Ambulances, police vehicles, fire service units and other emergency response vehicles operating within South Australia (SA).

🏫 Public Venues and Facilities on Crown Land

Including but not limited to:

From 1 January 2026

Mandate Expands to Non-Crown Land

From 1 January 1 2026, the South Australian (SA) Defibrillator Legislation expands to include non-crown land properties, public and commercial locations across SA.

AEDs must be installed in any facility over 600m² of publicly accessible space, improving access to life-saving defibrillators across South Australia, regardless of ownership.

AEDs must be installed in:

🏢 Privately Owned & Commercial Buildings
  • Includes shops, showrooms, large offices, office buildings with retail ground floors, showrooms, retail outlets, hotel lobbies, , convertion centres, entertainment venues and mixed-use buildings
🚉 Public Transport

  • Trains, trams, and buses must be equipped with AEDs.

  • This includes both metro and regional SA public transport services.

  • AEDs must be easily accessible and marked with compliant signage.

🎓 Educational Institutions (Further Education)

  • Universities and TAFE campuses are required to install AEDs in key student and staff access areas.

  • Includes lecture halls, common rooms, libraries, and reception areas.

🏛️ Community & Publicly Accessible Buildings

  • Includes community centres, local theatres, public swimming pools, museums, galleries, and other publicly frequented indoor spaces.

  • Applies to both government-operated and non-government facilities open to the public.

Key Requirements for Compliance

To meet the SA AED legislation, building owners , building managers, transport operators, and community venues must:

✅ Install AEDs in clearly visible and accessible locations
✅ Install at least one AED in any building with a publicly accessible area over 600m²
✅ Install one AED per 1,200m² of publicly accessible floor space (where applicable)
✅ Display compliant signage at building entrances and next to AED units
✅ Register AEDs with the South Australian Ambulance Service (SAAS)
✅ Maintain AEDs monthly, following manufacturer guidelines
✅ Ensure AEDs are ready 24/7 for emergency use

Read the official legislation:

Automated External Defibrillators (Public Access) Act 2022

AED Public Access Regulations 2024 (PDF)

For more information on proper setup, usage, and compliance, download the AED Best Practice Guide (PDF, 417KB).

❌ Non-compliance penalties: Fines of up to $20,000.

This includes failing to install an AED, not maintaining it, or failing to register it with SA Ambulance Service (SAAS).

What This Means for Your Organisation

While this legislation applies first to state-run buildings and transport, its rollout will extend to local councils, businesses, sporting clubs, religious institutions, and community groups.

AED Authority encourages all organisations to act early by:

  • Installing a compliant AED in an accessible location

  • Adding appropriate signage and secure storage (indoor or outdoor)

  • Developing a basic emergency response plan

  • Ensuring staff or volunteers can recognise sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and respond confidently

Being proactive means being prepared, protected, and positioned to save lives — and also shows your organisation’s duty of care and commitment to community safety.

AED_Save_Lives

AED Grants Available for Community Groups

To help eligible groups comply, Preventive Health SA is offering $1,000 AED grants for not-for-profit sporting or community organisations.

🗓️ Next round:
3 February 2025 – 30 April 2025

📋 Eligibility:

  • Must operate in South Australia

  • Must have an active ABN

  • Must ensure the AED is located in a publicly accessible facility

All not-for-profit community or sporting organisations that own buildings or facilities are encouraged to apply.

Find out more >

How AED Authority Can Help Your Organisation

 

Complete AED solutions tailored for compliance, confidence and community care.

Navigating new legislation and compliance requirements can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. AED Authority provides end-to-end defibrillator solutions designed to make the process simple, fast and stress-free for organisations of all sizes.

❤️ Community-Focused: We’re passionate about improving public health and safety. Our work supports local councils, clubs, businesses, and organisations across South Australia.

⚙️ Choosing the Right AED: We’ll help you compare AED models and features, explain the difference between fully and semi-automatic devices and ensure your choice best fits your unique needs and environment.

✅ Certified & Trusted: All AEDs we supply are TGA-approved, Australian-compliant and designed for ease of use — with step-by-step voice prompts and robust public safety protections.

🧩 Tailored Solutions: We offer AED bundles for adults, children and mixed-use environments. Our solutions include weatherproof storage, signage and full compliance support.

💲 Competitive & Easy: Our bundles are high-quality, affordable and backed by expert service. With AED Authority, the purchase process is simple, fast and stress-free.

 

Talk to an AED Specialist > 

Browse AED Bundles >

Get Help Choosing Your AED & Request a Quote

Every Heart Matters

Together, we can improve public safety and save lives through greater access to defibrillators.

Fill out our contact form, and we’ll help you select the right AED and provide a competitive quote.

Customer Reviews

Australians choose AED Authority

AED Authority is the go-to partner for exceptional expert advice and continuous support for defibrillator needs for countless individuals and organisations across Australia.

“Thank you for what has been a very easy and professionally handled process.”

Albion Park Uniting Church

“I want to thank you Sam & Grant for the great support and responsiveness you have provided during this process.”

Sarah Smits  //  Work Safe Victoria

“I can’t remember the last time I encountered such flawless and prompt customer service.”

Carly La Canale // Facility Director, Honeywell

“Thank you for the offer that you have put together for us. I can see why you recommended this defibrillator (Lifepak CR2) for our Church.  Whilst it is a little more expensive than what we were initially budgeting for, I do appreciate the quality and features that it has and the generous and kind deal that you have put together for us.  I am also mindful of the fact that when it comes to potentially saving someone’s life, cost really should not be something that I quibble over.”

Abermain Mission Hall Church

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), AEDs and the South Australian mandate.

Enquire Now To Find Out More
What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)?

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a medical emergency where the heart suddenly stops beating, causing a loss of blood flow to the brain and organs. It can happen unexpectedly to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. Immediate intervention is crucial for survival.

What is an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)?

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable medical device that saves lives by delivering a controlled electric shock to the heart. In case of a sudden cardiac arrest, the patient’s heart rhythm needs to be reset quickly, which can only be done through defibrillation using an AED. While starting immediate CPR is essential, it alone is not sufficient to reset the heart rhythm. An AED will deliver a controlled electric shock to get the heart beating normally again.

Why is an AED important for survival?

In the event of a sudden cardiac arrest, every minute without defibrillation reduces the chance of survival by up to 10%. Quick access to an AED can significantly increase the chances of survival.

Is an AED safe and easy to use?

Absolutely! AEDs are user-friendly and safe to operate. Our range is designed for public access and requires no specialised training. Once activated, AEDs guide the user step-by-step until emergency services arrive, with simple graphics and clear voice commands making them easy for anyone to use. Using an AED poses no risk—you cannot harm the person, be harmed, or be held liable.

Good Samaritan laws protect those who assist in emergencies.

Do I need training to use a defibrillator?

Defibrillators are designed for use by anyone, requiring no prior training. They provide clear visual and verbal instructions to guide you through each step. While each defibrillator model may vary slightly, it’s beneficial to familiarise yourself with your chosen AED. Our learning hub resources section includes demonstration videos for all the devices we offer.

Who is required to have an AED under the new SA AED legislation?

From 1 January 2025, State Government buildings, emergency service vehicles, schools, libraries, and large public venues in South Australia must have AEDs installed.
From 1 January 2026, the mandate expands to include public transport, universities, TAFEs, theatres, swimming pools, community centres, and other publicly accessible buildings.
Commercial buildings over 1,200m² and other prescribed sites are also included.

How many AEDs do I need for my building?

The law requires one AED for every 1,200 square metres of publicly accessible floor space. If you manage a large facility, multiple AEDs may be required to ensure rapid access during an emergency.

Where should AEDs be installed?

AEDs must be installed in clearly visible and accessible locations, ideally near entrances, public gathering points, or high-traffic areas. Signage must also be placed at entry points and near the device, in line with the regulations.

Do AEDs need to be registered?

Yes. All AEDs installed under this mandate must be registered with the South Australian Ambulance Service (SAAS). This ensures they are listed in the public AED directory and can be located by emergency responders.

What happens if an organisation doesn't comply?

Non-compliance can result in penalties of up to $20,000. This includes failing to install an AED, not maintaining it, or failing to register it with SAAS.

How can AED Authority help my organisation comply?

We offer complete end-to-end support, including:

  • Free site assessments

  • AED supply and installation

  • Signage and cabinet options

  • Registration assistance

  • Maintenance plans through our AED Concierge Service

  • Guidance on compliance, training, and emergency planning

👉 Contact our team or call 1300 233 123 to speak to an AED specialist.

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