In January 2025, South Australia took a major step toward improving community safety with the commencement of the Automated External Defibrillators (Public Access) Act 2022. This landmark legislation aims to significantly increase the availability of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public spaces, key facilities, and certain vehicles.

AEDs are life-saving devices designed to treat sudden cardiac arrest — a leading cause of death worldwide. In many cases, the chance of survival decreases by 10% with every passing minute without defibrillation. Having an AED close at hand can mean the difference between life and death.

What Changed in January 2025

The first phase of the Act came into effect on 1 January 2025 and currently applies to Crown-owned designated buildings, facilities, and certain vehicles. This means AEDs are now required in many publicly owned spaces where large numbers of people gather or where there is a higher risk of cardiac emergencies.

These Crown-owned facilities include:

  • Public buildings such as libraries, swimming pools, and town halls
  • Schools, universities, and other educational institutions
  • Sporting facilities
  • Retirement villages and residential care facilities
  • Correctional institutions and police stations
  • Caravan parks with more than 12 residents
  • High-traffic entertainment and cultural venues such as casinos, theatres, and galleries

The changes also include clear signage requirements so that AEDs can be quickly located during an emergency. For buildings, signage must be placed both near the AED and at the building’s entrance; for vehicles, it must be visible from the outside.

Failure to comply with signage rules can result in penalties of up to $2,500.

What’s Next – January 2026

From 1 January 2026, the law will extend to privately owned designated buildings, facilities, and vehicles, giving private owners the remainder of 2025 to prepare and comply. This transitional period allows time for assessment, installation, and ensuring all signage requirements are met.

Where AEDs Must Be Installed:

The Act covers a wide range of locations where people gather or where higher risks of cardiac emergencies exist. These include:

  • Public buildings – such as swimming pools, libraries, town halls, and council offices
  • Educational facilities – including schools, TAFEs, and universities
  • Sporting facilities – from competitive sports grounds to local gyms
  • Retirement villages & aged care facilities – where residents may be at greater risk
  • Correctional institutions & police stations – high-stress environments with vulnerable populations
  • Caravan and residential parks – with more than 12 residents
  • Casinos, theatres, and cultural venues – high foot traffic entertainment venues

The Act also covers “prescribed buildings”—commercial properties meeting certain criteria, such as:

  • Newly constructed after the Act commenced
  • Undergoing major works (valued over $100,000) after commencement
  • Having a floor area over 600 m² and changing use to commercial after commencement

For larger commercial sites—over 1,200 m²—owners must install one AED per 1,200 m².

Signage and Compliance

Visibility is key. The Act requires clear signage to help people quickly locate AEDs during an emergency.

  • For buildings, signage must be displayed both near the AED and at the building’s entrance.
  • For vehicles, signage must be displayed on the outside to alert people to the presence of an AED inside.

Failure to comply with signage requirements can result in penalties of up to $2,500.

Practical Example:

A landlord’s tenant completes a $120,000 fit-out between December 2025 and February 2026 in a 1,500 m² office/warehouse.

  • If it’s Crown Land → Yes, the law applies now, and two AEDs must be installed.
  • If it’s privately owned land → No, the requirement begins January 2026, so compliance will be required from that date.

What This Means for Landlords and Business Owners

If you’re a property owner, landlord, or facilities manager, assessing your AED requirements now will help ensure you meet the 2026 compliance deadline — and be ready to make a life-saving difference when it matters most.

For more information about the legislation or meeting your obligations, please contact Jack Prance, Director at Eckermann Lawyers on 08 8235 3970 or jack@eckermannlawyers.com.au or Luca Vernillo, Solicitor at Eckermann Lawyers, on 8235 3958 or luca@eckermannlawyers.com.au