Clubs SA members are reminded that the Automated External Defibrillators (Public Access) Act 2022 (the Act) is now in force for “designated buildings” situated on non-crown owned land.  

The Act has been in effect since 1 January 2026 and will require those covered to have at least 1 AED on their premises and obligations are on the owner of the land the building is located on e.g. if a club leased from council, then it is councils’ responsibility. 

As a refresher the following clubs need to have at least 1 AED in place regardless of size: 

• All sporting clubs; 

• clubs where gambling is authorised (unless where the only gambling is lottery tickets such as X-Lotto, Powerball etc); and  

• clubs with a sports bar. 

All other clubs that do not fit into any of the above categories but have a building or multiple buildings with a floor area of 600m2 or more also require at least 1 AED.  

When looking at floor area you only look at sections internally besides external balconies or rooftop terraces. 

In addition, clubs will be deemed to be “relevant facilities” if:  

• they have multiple buildings with a floor area of 600m2 or more that are within 100m of another; or 

• are an enclosed or partially enclosed structure with a floor area of 600m2 or more used for sporting or recreational purposes and attended by the public. 

Publicly accessible floor area determines how many AEDs are needed and when calculating this, clubs with multiple buildings will look at their buildings publicly accessible floor area cumulatively if deemed a facility. If not, then each designated building has to be looked at individually.  

There is also signage, maintenance and registration requirements and it is important to clarify again that AEDs can be placed internally or externally. They must not be installed in a cabinet, container or similar that would prevent immediate access though e.g. locked with a key code 

Information and a copy of the guide can be found on this page.  

Clubs who are not already aware of the obligations under this legislation or want to double check that they are compliant should carefully read the guide.