South Australia Mandates AEDs: What Your Business Needs to Know

South Australia has enacted the Automated External Defibrillators (Public Access) Act 2022, a groundbreaking law requiring AED (Automated External Defibrillator) installations across public, private, and commercial premises. The aim? Boost survival rates from sudden cardiac arrests by providing instant access to these life-saving devices.

Who Must Comply with the AED Mandate?

Under the new law, AEDs must be installed in the following areas:

• Public Buildings: Schools, libraries, universities, swimming pools, theatres, and local council offices
• Commercial Properties: Retail stores, offices, and any building over 600m²
• Residential Complexes: Certain apartment buildings and retirement villages
• Gambling & Entertainment Venues: Including casinos and licensed venues
• Public Transport: Trains, trams, and buses
• New Builds: Commercial buildings >600m² or major renovations starting 2026

Key Compliance Deadlines and Requirements

To comply with the law by January 1, 2026, businesses must:

• Install at least 1 AED per 1,200m²
• Ensure annual maintenance and testing of all AEDs
• Register AEDs with the South Australian AED Register
• Prepare for fines up to $20,000 AUD for non-compliance

Why AEDs Are Crucial

Each year, over 30,000 Australians suffer sudden cardiac arrest, with a survival rate of only 10%. AEDs, when used promptly, can significantly increase survival chances. South Australia's move mirrors success stories from Victoria and Singapore, where public AED access has proven effective.

Find the Right AED for Your Workplace

At Mega Office Supplies, we supply industry-leading AEDs suitable for offices, shopping centres, aged care facilities, and more. Ensure you're compliant before the deadline with our expert-recommended solutions.

Explore our AED collection today.

Download the AED Locator App

Don’t forget: South Australia will also be rolling out a mobile app integrated with the AED Register to help the public find nearby devices during emergencies.

Need Help Staying Compliant?

Contact us at Mega Office Supplies for expert advice on AED installations, product recommendations, and ongoing maintenance solutions.

? team@megaofficesupplies.com.au

For further reading, visit the official SA Health website or the Law Handbook.