AED legislation South Australia 2025: What Businesses Must Know

Sep 27

5 min read

Update – October 2025

AED Supplies Now Available Through Safe Hands SA

Since publishing this article, Safe Hands SA has partnered with Response For Life to offer AED (defibrillator) supply, registration, and maintenance support — alongside our accredited CPR and first aid training.

With South Australia’s new AED legislation coming into effect on 1 January 2026, now’s the time to make sure your workplace or venue is ready.

For AED supplies or advice:

📧 julia@responseforlife.org.au

📞 0433 234 918

🌐 www.safehandssa.com/contact

AED signage AED legislation South Australia 2025

Why AEDs Matter

When someone has a sudden cardiac arrest, minutes are critical. Every minute without defibrillation lowers survival chances by about 10%. Having an AED (automated external defibrillator) on-site, properly maintained, and registered can literally save a life.

💡 Safe Hands SA Tip: We don’t sell AEDs — but we do train your staff to use them with confidence and explain the new SA laws in plain English. If you’re unsure what the 2026 changes mean for your workplace, our CPR & First Aid training sessions cover AED use, compliance, and practical skills your team can rely on.

The AED legislation South Australia 2025

South Australia has taken the lead with the Automated External Defibrillators (Public Access) Act 2022.

From 1 January 2025: Crown (government) buildings and emergency vehicles must comply.
From 1 January 2026: Non-Crown buildings with ≥ 600 m² publicly accessible space must install, maintain, register, and signpost AEDs.
Failing to comply can mean fines of up to $20,000

These rules form part of the AED legislation South Australia 2025, designed to ensure public spaces are prepared for cardiac emergencies.

This doesn’t just apply to “big city buildings.” Other examples include:

Schools and childcare centres
Aged care and retirement facilities
Sporting clubs, swimming pools, and recreation centres
Community halls, libraries, theatres, and places of worship
Retail spaces, shopping centres, gyms, and offices over 600 m²

Key Requirements for Businesses

Requirement	What’s Needed	Why It Matters
Installation	At least one AED per 600 m²; add one per extra 1,200 m².	Ensures quick access anywhere in the building.
Signage	AED signs at entrances and near the device.	Staff, clients, and the public can find it fast.
Maintenance	Monthly checks; full test annually or per manufacturer instructions.	Prevents device failure in emergencies.
Registration	Register on the SA Ambulance AED Register (GoodSAM) within 14 days of installation.	Links your AED to 000 dispatchers, making it findable during emergencies.
Updates	Update register if AED location or access times change.	Keeps information current and accurate.

At Safe Hands SA, our role is to make compliance simple. We don’t supply AEDs, but we guide businesses through the new South Australian legislation and provide CPR and First Aid training so your staff know how to use AEDs with confidence. Training also covers maintenance, signage requirements, and registering devices with the SA Ambulance AED Register (GoodSAM) — giving your workplace practical knowledge and peace of mind.

Choosing the Best AED

Not all AEDs are equal. Look for:

TGA approval (mandatory in Australia).
Clear voice and visual prompts.
Child mode or paediatric pads.
Durability (dust/waterproof if outdoors).
Easy consumable replacement (pads/batteries readily available in Australia).
Good local support for servicing.

Well-regarded models in Australia include:

Philips HeartStart HS1
HeartSine Samaritan PAD (350P/360P)
LIFEPAK CR2
St John G5

AED Maintenance & Checking

Monthly: Quick visual check (status light, battery/pad expiry, accessibility).
Annually: Full functional check or service.
After use: Replace pads/battery immediately.
Keep a logbook or digital record of inspections.

What If You Don’t Legally Need One?

Even if your business is too small for the mandate, you should still know where the nearest AED is.

Search the SA Ambulance AED Register (GoodSAM) for public AEDs.
Ask your staff to download the GoodSAM app — it shows nearby AEDs and can send alerts.
Include AED locations in staff inductions and safety signage.
000 operators can direct callers to the closest registered AED in an emergency.

GoodSAM & 000 Calls

When someone calls 000 for a cardiac arrest, the GoodSAM system can:

Alert nearby registered volunteer responders.
Direct callers to the nearest registered AED.
Help bridge the time gap until paramedics arrive.

FAQs About AEDs

Who does the AED legislation South Australia 2025 apply to?

It applies to Crown (government) buildings and emergency vehicles from 2025. From 1 January 2026, the rules extend to non-Crown buildings with 600 m² or more of publicly accessible space. This includes schools, aged care facilities, sporting clubs, shopping centres, and offices above the size threshold.

Do all SA businesses need an AED?

No. Only businesses or organisations that meet the 600 m² publicly accessible space threshold (from 2026) are legally required to install and maintain one. However, any workplace can benefit from having an AED on-site, as cardiac arrest can happen anywhere — and having quick access to a defibrillator can save lives.

Do AEDs need to be registered?

Yes, within 14 days of installation. Registration ensures the device is visible to 000 call centres.

How often should an AED be checked?

Monthly inspections and an annual test, plus after every use.

Which AED is best?

Look for TGA-approved models with strong support in Australia. Popular brands include Philips, HeartSine, LIFEPAK, and St John.

Can anyone use an AED?

Yes — turn it on and follow the prompts. CPR + AED training adds confidence and faster action.

How do I find the nearest AED if I don’t have one?

Use the SA Ambulance AED Register, GoodSAM app, or ask the 000 operator.

Will the 000 operator know about my AED?

Yes — if your AED is correctly registered, it becomes visible to the 000 dispatch system and may be provided to callers in emergencies.

What happens if my business doesn’t comply with AED legislation South Australia 2025?

Failing to comply with the AED requirements can lead to fines of up to $20,000. The legislation is designed to make AEDs more accessible in public spaces and workplaces, so non-compliance isn’t just a legal risk — it also means your staff, clients, or visitors may not have life-saving access to a defibrillator in an emergency.

What signage is required under the AED legislation South Australia 2025?

AEDs must be clearly marked with signage at entrances and near the device so staff, clients, and the public can locate it quickly in an emergency. Businesses must also update signage if the AED is moved. Clear signs are part of compliance — and they save time when every second counts.

Does Safe Hands SA supply AEDs?

No — Safe Hands SA doesn’t sell AEDs. But we advise businesses on compliance with the new legislation and provide CPR and First Aid training so staff know how to use AEDs with confidence. During training, we also explain AED maintenance, signage requirements, and how to register your device with the SA Ambulance AED Register (GoodSAM).