SA child protection system 'under stress'

South Australia's child protection system is "groaning under its own weight", Acting Premier John Rau says.

He says some reform to the mandatory reporting provisions is necessary with the number of reports to authorities unsustainable in the long term.

"The system may be clogged with an excessive number of reports," Mr Rau said on Monday.

He said in some cases people charged with mandatory reporting responsibilities were making reports out of fear of being criticised later for not contacting authorities.

"I think there is a natural tendency for people who are wishing to operate in an environment where they minimise risk to themselves, where it may seem a pretty good idea to report every little thing," he said.

The government is yet to reach a firm few on what changes are required but is keen for the issue to be debated.

It has also raised its concerns with former Supreme Court Judge Margaret Nyland who is conducting a royal commission into SA's child protection systems.

Mr Rau said it was impossible to devise a child protection regime that completely eliminated all risks to children.

"There will be tragedies. The question is how can we improve the system and limit those tragedies as much as possible," he said.