New SA bill removes 'political' poll dates

The South Australian government would be stripped of the power to set by-election dates under a new bill passed by the upper house.

The bill, introduced by Family First MLC Robert Brokenshire, would give the task of setting by-election dates to the independent Electoral Commissioner, rather than the parliamentary Speaker.

It comes after Labor Speaker Michael Atkinson admitted his decision to hold two coming by-elections on separate days was "inherently political".

The Liberal opposition and the Electoral Commissioner had pushed for the polls, in the seats of Fisher and Davenport, to be held on the same day.

But Mr Atkinson refused the request, conceding that the timing of the by-elections was an inherently political decision.

The legislation passed the upper house on Wednesday but will require the support of independent MPs to pass the lower house.

The Electoral Commissioner already has the power to set fixed-term election dates.

Mr Brokenshire said the parliament was "long overdue for a fundamental shake-up" and the bill could be a strong starting point for deeper reforms.

He accused the government of trying to avoid scrutiny after it emerged that parliament will sit for just 47 days next year.