SA consults more on child protection bill

The South Australian government has delayed a debate on its proposed child protection bill so it can speak more with organisations who fear it won't do enough to keep vulnerable kids safe.

Attorney-General John Rau says the government met with key groups involved in SA's child protection system on Wednesday, and has committed to consult with them further about specific amendments to the bill.

He says a parliamentary debate on the Children and Young People (Safety) Bill planned for Thursday will be delayed until later this month in "a show of good faith".

The opposition says the SA government has shown a "special type of incompetence" in not getting the consultation process right before now.

"The legislation the minister brought before the parliament was woefully inadequate," opposition spokesman Rachel Sanderson said in a statement.

The Law Society, Australian Medical Association and SA Council of Social Service last week banded together to express "grave concerns" over the bill.

The group said the changes did not reflect the recommendations from a royal commission into SA's troubled child protection system, and had not been influenced by proper engagement with key stakeholders.

They also criticised how the bill would shield those in the Department of Child Protection from civil liability for acts and omissions performed "in good faith".