AED Requirements in Queensland: What Businesses Need to Know in 2026

Queensland is not yet subject to mandatory AED legislation for commercial buildings — but it is watching South Australia's rollout closely, and the case for proactive AED installation in Queensland workplaces and public spaces has never been stronger.

This guide is specifically for Queensland business owners, WHS managers, property managers, and aged care operators. It covers the current legislative landscape, what proactive installation looks like in 2026, and how to get it right the first time.

Current AED Legislation in Queensland

There is currently no Queensland-specific legislation mandating AED installation in commercial buildings comparable to the SA Automated External Defibrillators (Public Access) Act 2022. However, several frameworks already create a de facto obligation for many Queensland organisations:

Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld)

The Queensland WHS Act requires persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) to provide a safe workplace and ensure that first aid equipment is provided. The Model Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace (adopted in Queensland) states that the type and quantity of first-aid equipment depends on the nature of the work, the size of the workforce, and the distance from emergency medical services.

For workplaces with large numbers of workers or visitors, significant physical exertion, or distance from ambulance services — a strong WHS argument can be made that an AED is required first-aid equipment. Most workplace health and safety consultants now include AED provision in WHS recommendations for sites with 50+ workers.

Queensland Ambulance Service — Community AED Register

Queensland Ambulance Service operates a Community AED Register where publicly accessible AEDs are recorded and made available to QAS dispatchers. Registered AEDs appear in the dispatch database — triple-zero operators can direct bystanders to the nearest registered device during a cardiac arrest call. Registration is free and strongly recommended for all Queensland AEDs.

Health Services Act and Aged Care Standards

Residential aged care facilities operating under the Aged Care Quality Standards are required to maintain appropriate emergency response capability. The majority of aged care providers in Queensland now include AEDs as standard emergency equipment in both residential facilities and day therapy centres.

What Queensland Operators Should Do Now

Rather than waiting for legislation, forward-thinking Queensland organisations are treating AED installation as a WHS best practice measure — and documenting it accordingly. This is both the right thing to do and the smart liability management position.

Step 1: Conduct a WHS Risk Assessment

Document your assessment of cardiac arrest risk factors for your workplace or building:

• Number of workers and regular visitors
• Age profile of workforce and clientele
• Physical exertion involved in work activities
• Estimated ambulance response time to your location
• Existing first-aid capability and training levels

This assessment forms the foundation of your WHS documentation and demonstrates due diligence to your insurer.

Step 2: Select and Install a TGA-Approved AED

Only TGA-registered AEDs can legally be sold as medical devices in Australia. Mount the device in a visible, accessible, alarmed wall cabinet in a high-traffic area. Install ILCOR-standard AED location signage at the device and directional signs along approach corridors.

Step 3: Register with Queensland Ambulance Service

Register your AED at ambulance.qld.gov.au. It takes less than 10 minutes and ensures your device appears in the QAS dispatch database. If a cardiac arrest occurs near your building, the 000 dispatcher can direct bystanders to your AED.

Step 4: Schedule Annual NATA-Certified Testing

Document your AED maintenance with annual NATA-certified testing by a qualified biomedical engineer. This generates a calibration certificate for your WHS file and insurer records. It also ensures the device will actually work in an emergency — an untested AED that fails at the moment of rescue is both a tragedy and a significant liability.

Step 5: Brief Your Team

Ensure all staff know where the AED is, how to open the cabinet, and that the device guides them through every step. Encourage first-aid training — ideally HLTAID009 (CPR) annually for all staff, with HLTAID011 (First Aid) for designated first-aiders.

Is SA-Style Legislation Coming to Queensland?

Industry observers expect mandatory AED legislation for Queensland commercial buildings within the next 2–3 years. The SA model has been operational since January 2026 and is being monitored closely by Queensland Health, SafeWork Queensland, and the Queensland Ambulance Service.

Installing now positions your organisation ahead of the legislation — with the compliance documentation already in place when obligations become mandatory. It also costs significantly less and creates far less disruption than a rushed installation under a compliance deadline.

Vectr Medical for Queensland AED Programs

Vectr Medical is a Gold Coast, Queensland-based NATA-certified biomedical engineering company. We supply and service AEDs for Queensland Ambulance Service, hospitals, aged care facilities, and corporate clients across Queensland and beyond.

For Queensland organisations:

• Complete AED supply — TGA-approved devices from Philips, ZOLL, and Defibtech
• Wall cabinets and ILCOR signage — everything for a compliant installation
• Annual NATA-certified testing — calibration certificate for WHS and insurer records
• QAS Community AED Register assistance with registration
• Multi-site programs — managed AED programs for organisations with multiple Queensland locations

Contact us at joe@novabiomedical.com.au to discuss your Queensland AED requirements.

Browse TGA-approved AEDs →  |  Book NATA-certified AED testing →