New laws for South Australian police who use lethal force during a terror incident have passed state parliament's lower house.
SA's bill is similar to laws introduced in NSW after the Lindt Cafe siege and protect police who use lethal force in a declared terrorist incident from criminal liability.
They will also protect the identity of police involved in the use of lethal force.
"The increase in the number and complexity of terrorist attacks in Australia and around the world requires a legislative response that acknowledges the increased threat to the safety of the police and the public they are trying to protect," Attorney-General Vickie Chapman said on Tuesday.
"Providing police with greater certainty regarding the use of lethal force against terrorists will reduce the likelihood of members of the public being injured."
Under the legislation, the police commissioner will be able to declare an incident a terror attack when the commissioner is satisfied that planned and co-ordinated police action is required to deal with the threat.
The commissioner's declaration can be issued verbally in urgent circumstances and confirmed in writing as soon as is reasonably practical.
