In South Australia, new legislation is making life-saving defibrillators mandatory in many public and private sector facilities. From 1 January 2026, designated buildings, facilities, and vehicles must be equipped with Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). With only 7 months left to meet the deadline many organisations aren’t waiting — they’re taking action now to ensure both compliance and community safety.
Living Choice: A Proactive Approach to Resident Safety
Among the leaders in this space is Living Choice, a nationally recognised provider of luxury retirement living. With a reputation for creating secure, high-quality environments for retirees, Living Choice has proactively partnered with Integrity Health & Safety to install AEDs across its South Australian communities.
“At Living Choice, the safety and well-being of our residents are our top priorities,” said Mitch Jacobson, Golf Club Management Specialist at Flagstaff Hill Golf Club. “That’s why we partnered with Integrity Health & Safety to supply defibrillators across our retirement communities. From the very first interaction, their professionalism, knowledge, and commitment to quality healthcare solutions were evident.”
This partnership reflects Living Choice’s commitment to going beyond minimum compliance — ensuring residents have immediate access to critical life-saving technology, well ahead of the 2026 deadline.
Understanding the New AED Legislation
The South Australian Government has introduced legislation that requires defibrillators to be installed in:
- Designated Government-owned buildings, facilities, and emergency service vehicles from 1 January 2025
- Designated public and commercial premises from 1 January 2026.
This includes retail precincts, sporting facilities, gyms, aged care communities, and many other publicly accessible environments of 1,200m² or more.
Why this change? The data speaks for itself. In the event of sudden cardiac arrest, survival rates may be less than 10% without intervention. With timely AED use, that figure may rise to over 70%. Ensuring these devices are accessible is a critical step in creating safer, more resilient communities.
The Role of Integrity Health & Safety
Integrity Health & Safety is a proudly Indigenous-owned and Supply Nation-certified provider of Work Health and Safety products and services, with particular expertise in AEDs. Their clients span commercial, government, and community sectors, and they offer a full-service experience:
- Guidance in selecting the right AED solution
- Support with installation and strategic placement
- Ongoing training and maintenance
- Access to procurement pathways that support Indigenous suppliers
“We highly recommend Integrity Health & Safety to any organisation looking for reliable, high-quality medical equipment,” Mitch added. “Their dedication to health and safety aligns perfectly with our mission of providing secure and comfortable living environments for retirees.”
Beyond Compliance: A Broader Impact
Meeting the 2026 AED mandate isn’t just about checking a box. It’s about building public trust, showing leadership in safety, and making a real difference in emergency preparedness. For members of industry bodies like the Property Council of Australia and the Retirement Living Council, early compliance is also an opportunity to set the standard.
Partnering with an Indigenous-owned business like Integrity Health & Safety offers additional value. Not only does it support First Nations economic participation, but it also allows businesses to meet social procurement goals and demonstrate meaningful impact.
Is Your Organisation Prepared?
With deadlines approaching, now is the time for commercial property owners, facility managers, and community organisations to begin preparing. Whether you’re just getting started or need expert advice on your next steps, Integrity Health & Safety is ready to help.
To learn more or begin your AED compliance journey, get in touch with the Integrity Health & Safety team today.
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