There are calls for the state government to provide grants of $500 to businesses, contributing to the cost of the installation of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), following the passing of laws mandating their installation in some public buildings from 1 January 2026.
The legislation which passed on 30 November 2023, says AEDs must be installed 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 that can help someone experiencing cardiac arrest by sending an electric shock to the heart.
A multi-use defibrillator can cost between $1,500 and $3,000 and needs to be replaced every eight years, or per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
A single-use defibrillator, although less expensive, still costs around $500. This would be yet another expense for businesses already facing significant financial challenges due to inflation, rising energy costs, and wage increases.
The additional impost of purchasing a defibrillator will prove difficult for many.
The South Australian Business Chamber recommended the one-off grant of $500 to the government to consider in the upcoming state budget to assist small businesses to comply with this legislation.
The recommendation is one of 12 in the Chamber’s submission ahead of the June budget, highlighting the critical need for the government to reduce the cost imposts being faced by businesses and provide support to help drive productivity and encourage entrepreneurship and business growth.
