On 30 November a new South Australian law was passed mandating the installation of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in all public buildings, including buildings used for commercial purposes with a floor area of over 600 m². An additional defibrillator is to be installed for every 1,200 m². AEDs are portable machines which can help someone experiencing cardiac arrest by sending an electric shock to the heart. Affected businesses will have three years to comply, with the deadline for the private sector set for 1 January 2026.
The South Australian Business Chamber advocated against Automated External Defibrillators (Public Access) Bill introduced to parliament by SA Best MLC, Frank Pangallo, who argued that “These nation-leading laws will ensure more lives are saved, as more defibrillators will now be available throughout the community.” No similar laws exist in any other Australian state or territory.
In our advocacy efforts, we specifically raised two concerns: cost and penalties.
The cost of these machines ranges from $359 for single-use to $3000 for conventional, multi-use defibrillators. While the cheaper single-use option may seem like the best approach for many, they are only currently available for pre-order, with a shipping date of six months from the date of purchase. Additionally, defibrillators need to be replaced every eight years or as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. At a time when businesses are already burdened with escalating energy prices, rising inflation and interest rates, having an additional new expense to factor in might be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.
The fines stipulated in the new legislation are exorbitant, including maximum penalties of $20,000 for failure to install a defibrillator; $20,000 for failure to properly maintain and test a defibrillator at least once a year; $2,500 for failure to install a sign indicating that a defibrillator is nearby; and $2,500 for failure to notify about an installation of a defibrillator (for the purposes of a register).
Both of our concerns were raised during the parliamentary debate. However, the Bill passed without amendment. The South Australian Business Chamber is now in the process of determining what options might be available in terms of assistance to businesses needing to comply with this legislation. We will provide further information about the rollout of this legislation when it becomes available.
