Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) requirements for public buildings and facilities

Automated External Defibrillator (AED) laws have changed in South Australia. 

From 1 January 2026, the Automated External Defibrillators (Public Access) Act 2022 (the Act) requires certain public buildings, facilities, and vehicles in South Australia to have at least one AED installed and registered.

What you need to know

If you own a public building or facility, you may now be legally required to:

  • have at least one AED installed and registered
  • have clear signage displayed for the AED
  • maintain the AED regularly
  • ensure the AED is publicly accessible (where applicable).

Requirements by building or facility type

Some building and facility types require only one AED, while others may require more depending on their size or use.

For full details of compliance requirements, refer to the Act and the Automated External Defibrillators (Public Access) Regulations 2024 (PDF 192KB).

Requirements by building or facility type

Requirements by building or facility type
Building or facility type One AED is required Additional AEDs may be required The AED must be publicly accessible
Swimming pool Yes Yes Yes
Library Yes N/A Yes
Local government office Yes N/A Yes
Town hall Yes Yes Yes
Relevant building or facility (See ‘What Is a Relevant Building or Relevant Facility?’ below) Yes Yes Yes
Prescribed sporting facility Yes Yes Yes
School or training facility Yes N/A Yes
Retirement village with shared amenities Yes Yes Yes
Aged care facility Yes Yes N/A
Caravan park Yes Yes Yes
Residential park (with capacity for 12 or more people) Yes Yes Yes
Casino or gambling venue Yes Yes Yes
Theatre or performance venue Yes Yes Yes
Place of worship Yes N/A Yes

All AEDs installed for the purpose of the Act must be registered, clearly signed, and be regularly maintained as per the manufacturer’s instructions. See Managing your AED requirements to learn more.

Do you need more than one AED?

You may need additional AEDs if:

  • your building or facility is on land used for commercial purposes*; and
  • the publicly accessible floor area is over 1,200m².

If both conditions apply, you must assess your requirements under Section 10 of the Regulations.

Fort practical guidance, see the AED Best Practice Guide (PDF 417KB).

What is a ‘relevant building’ or ‘relevant facility’?

Under the Automated External Defibrillators (Public Access) Act 2022:

  • a relevant building is one with a floor area of 600m² or more
  • a relevant facility includes:
    • two or more related buildings within 100m of each other
    • enclosed structures (600m² or more) used for public sports or recreation, such as stadiums or aquatic centres.

If the public can access any part of a relevant building or facility, it is considered public under the Act, and at least one AED is required.

Out of scope buildings or facilities

The Automated External Defibrillators (Public Access) Act 2022 does not apply to:

  • hospitals or other medical facilities
  • carparks (both indoor and outdoor)
  • correctional facilities
  • licensed children’s residential facilities or those established/licensed under the Family and Community Services Act 1972
  • buildings or facilities where no areas are accessible to the public (excluding a designated building or facility).

Buildings or facilities where only part of the site is publicly accessible may still be considered as public under the Act.

For more information, refer to the AED Best Practice Guide (PDF 417KB).

Managing your AED requirements

AEDs and related first aid items can be purchased from suppliers of first aid, office or medical equipment. Any AED installed for the purposes of the Act must be approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

An AED should include:

  • two sets of defibrillation pads
  • shears
  • a razor.

Choose an AED that is durable and suitable for its environment. Most devices have an International Protection (IP) rating showing their resistance to dust, water, temperature extremes and mechanical impact.

Where possible, select an AED that can be used on both adults and children. Some models include pads and energy levels suitable for children under 8 years.

AEDs with visual prompts and verbal instructions are especially helpful and reassuring for people with little or no CPR training.

AEDs can be registered on the SA Ambulance Service website.

Any AED installed for the purpose of the Act must be added to the South Australian AED Register within two weeks of installation. When registering, you must provide:

  • the AED’s location
  • the times it is publicly accessible.

If the AED’s location or accessibility times change, you must update the Register within two weeks.

When someone calls Triple Zero (000) in a cardiac emergency, the call taker will use the register to advise them of their nearest AED.

For questions specifically about AED registration, please email health.saasaedregister@sa.gov.au

Any AED installed for the purpose of the Act must have adequate signage indicating that an AED is nearby. This includes:

  • a sign near to the AED; and
  • a sign outside and near to the entrance of the building or facility.

Your AED may come with signage you can use. You can also choose to download and print the following posters:

Further information

If you have any questions about your requirements and compliance with the Act: