Defibrillator grant funding available soon for councils

Following a successful LGA submission to the state government, the Automated External Defibrillators (AED) Grants Program has now been expanded to include some buildings and facilities owned by council.

From 1 October, $1000 grants will be available for council-owned buildings which are leased or licenced to sporting or community clubs on a long-term agreement.

Funds can be used to subsidise the purchase of an AED.

Short-term licencing arrangements, such as the single-night hire of a community hall, will not be eligible for funding.

Other ineligible buildings include those with an AED already installed or used for council business and council-managed activities including libraries, council chambers, and civic buildings.

Councils are encouraged to apply for all eligible buildings – for example, with 25 eligible buildings, a grant of $25,000 could be provided.

How to prepare for funding

AED grant funding will commence on 1 October and remain open for six weeks, closing on 15 November.

In preparation for this short application window, LGA recommends councils:

• survey which of their buildings are leased or licenced to sporting or community groups
• assess which of these buildings already have an AED installed

Legislative changes

Under the Automated External Defibrillators (Public Access) Act 2022, councils will be required to install AEDs in all public buildings and facilities.

Obligations for councils will commence in January 2026.

A Bill, recommended by the LGA, is expected to be introduced into the South Australian Parliament soon clarifying and streamlining AED requirements.

LGA intends to organise a webinar for councils to unpack the amended obligations once they are known.

Suppliers for councils

LGA Procurement has established a panel of prequalified suppliers to provide defibrillator equipment, installation replacement items, and ongoing maintenance for councils.

Councils can access this information on LGA Procurement's website.

Find out more

For questions about the AED Grants Program, email PreventiveHealthSA.Strategy@sa.gov.au

For questions about the Automated External Defibrillators Act,  refer to the SA Health website or email Health.AutomatedExternalDefibrillators@sa.gov.au