South Australia's Groundbreaking AED Legislation: A Lifesaving Model for the Nation

Written By Joseph O'Connor

South Australia has taken a pioneering step in public health and safety with the enactment of the Automated External Defibrillators (Public Access) Act 2022. This landmark legislation requires the installation, maintenance, and registration of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in specific buildings, facilities, and vehicles across the state, aiming to ensure timely access to lifesaving devices during cardiac emergencies.

Key Provisions of the AED Legislation

1. Implementation Timeline

  • Crown-Owned Entities must comply by 1 January 2025.

  • Non-Crown Entities, including private facilities and public transport vehicles, must comply by 1 January 2026.

2. Designated and Prescribed Buildings AEDs are mandated in:

  • Public-access buildings and facilities like libraries, swimming pools, sports clubs, aged care facilities, and caravan parks.

  • Commercial buildings with publicly accessible floor areas over 600 square metres, constructed or significantly renovated after 1 January 2025.

3. AED Installation Requirements

  • One AED is required for every 1,200 square metres of publicly accessible floor area.

  • Schools are currently exempt from this requirement.

4. Maintenance and Signage

  • AEDs must be maintained according to manufacturer instructions.

  • Clear signage must be displayed near the AED and at building entrances to guide the public.

5. Penalties for Non-Compliance

  • A maximum penalty of $20,000.

  • An expiation fee of $5,000.

6. AED Register

  • AEDs must be registered in a public database to support rapid emergency access.

Implications for Businesses and the Community

This legislation positions South Australia as a leader in proactive emergency response. Businesses and facility owners must now assess their compliance requirements, while the public stands to benefit from quicker response times and potentially higher survival rates in cardiac arrest cases.

Could South Australia's AED Law Lead the Way Nationally?

South Australia is currently the only state in Australia with mandatory AED legislation, but it may not stand alone for long.

Given the critical role AEDs play in improving survival outcomes during cardiac arrest, many experts anticipate that other states and territories may follow South Australia’s example. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Rising Public Awareness: As South Australians begin to see the benefits of widespread AED access, demand for similar protections may increase in other regions.

  • Consistent Health Strategy: Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in Australia. A national approach to AED access could become a core part of public health planning.

  • Interstate Business Compliance: National or franchised businesses may push for unified legislation to simplify AED rollout and legal compliance across all states.

  • Precedent from Local Governments: Initiatives already underway in parts of Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland show a growing momentum toward AED accessibility.

If the South Australian model proves effective in reducing fatalities and increasing public safety, it may well become the foundation for a future nationwide mandate.

Resources for Compliance and Further Reading

For those looking to learn more or ensure they meet their legal obligations, here are some helpful resources:

  • SA Health AED Information

  • Automated External Defibrillators (Public Access) Act 2022

  • AED Regulations 2024 (AustLII)

Final Thoughts

The introduction of mandatory AED legislation in South Australia marks a significant milestone in community health. As we move toward a future where fast, effective emergency care is a given, South Australia’s bold move may serve not only to protect its own residents but to inspire a nation-wide shift in how we prepare for—and respond to—cardiac emergencies.

Joseph O'Connor