Changes in Legislative Requirements
As of the 1st of January 2026, designated public buildings, facilities, and vehicles within South Australia will be required to have at least one Automated External Defibrillator (AED) registered and installed.
This requirement arises from amendments to the Automated External Defibrillators (Public Access) Act 2022 (the AED Act), introduced to increase public safety and access to modern life-saving equipment in emergencies.
Implications for Property Owners
If you are a commercial property owner or landlord, it is essential to understand and comply with these new legislative requirements.
Failure for a property to be AED compliant by 1 January 2026 could see commercial landlords and property owners hit with fines of up to $20,000.00.
Requirements
From 1 January 2026, you may be required to:
- install and register at least one AED;
- display clearly visible AED signage;
- regularly maintain the AED(s); and
- ensure compliance with accessibility and location requirements.
Certain buildings and facilities will be required to install more than one AED. Relevant factors include the use or purpose of the building and its publicly accessible floor area. In particular, commercial premises and buildings with over 1,200m² of publicly accessible floor space may require multiple AEDs.
Facilities that are likely to require more than one AED include (but are not limited to):
- swimming pools/centres;
- town halls;
- prescribed sporting facilities;
- retirement villages with shared amenities;
- aged care facilities;
- residential parks that can accommodate more than 12 residents;
- caravan parks;
- casinos and gaming venues; and
- theatres and performing arts venues.
The number of AEDs required to be installed in any given building, facility or vehicle is determined by the AED Act and the Automated External Defibrillators (Public Access) Regulations 2024 (the AED Regulations).
Don't Flatline on Compliance
For comprehensive requirements for compliance, refer to the AED Act and the AED Regulations. Additional guidance is also provided in the SA Health Best Practice Guide, which includes a simplified flowchart for prescribed buildings and facilities.
Our experienced team at Wadlow Solicitors can assist you in understanding and fulfilling your AED compliance obligations, whether you are a commercial landlord, tenant, or property manager.
For expert and personalised legal advice, call Wadlow Solicitors on (08) 8212 2955.
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