SA tribunal to ease strain on courts: govt

The South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT) will begin operating next year to ease pressure on the court system, the state government says.

Attorney-General John Rau said the first phase of legislation to move matters from the Residential Tenancies Tribunal, Guardianship Board and Housing Appeal Panel to SACAT passed parliament.

"This will streamline the process and will offer real benefits for the public and the justice system," he said.

"The formation of the SACAT means people will only need to deal with one tribunal on most civil and administrative matters."

The tribunal is expected to begin operating by April.