SA premier revives campaign against feds

South Australia's premier says he won't back down on plans to pass on federal cuts to pensioner concessions.

The state Labor government plans to ramp up its $1.1 million campaign against commonwealth budget cuts with a new series of television ads starring local pensioners.

Premier Jay Weatherill says the state can't afford to continue subsidising council rates for pensioners after the federal government's withdrawal of a $30 million annual payment.

Rates are set to increase by $190 a year from July, but the premier says concessions will only survive if the federal funding is restored.

"We believe it's a cruel cut and it should be reversed," he told reporters on Thursday.

"This is a federal government that's demonstrated they will change their mind. These are people that will withstand anything except pressure."

The Liberal state opposition and minor parties have promised to fight any moves to withdraw concessions from pensioners.