Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has called on the NSW Minns Labor Government to support his Private Member’s Bill, which aims to mandate defibrillators in all public buildings. The proposed legislation mirrors reforms already implemented by the South Australian Labor Government.

Mr Ward announced a grant for a defibrillator in his electorate on Tuesday 28 January, and criticised the current level of funding as insufficient, calling for more action.

“I am pleased that a local community group, the Marshall Mount Progress Association, has received $2,079 in funding to purchase a defibrillator under the NSW Government’s Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program,” Mr Ward says.

“Whilst I welcome the State Government and the NSW Minister for Sport supporting the Marshall Mount Progress Association with this funding, I will continue to plead with Premier Chris Minns and the NSW Labor Government to back my Bill.”

Mr Ward highlights that this legislation is crucial in ensuring defibrillators are mandatory in all public buildings and all modes of public transport.

Mr Ward also questioned why NSW has not adopted similar measures, stating, “If it’s good enough for South Australia, why isn’t it good enough for NSW?”

He highlighted the need for action, stating that 3,800 people on average die from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests every year.

“Something needs to be done when this figure is several times the national road toll,” Mr Ward concluded.