The South Australian Government will make it mandatory for priests and other church professionals and volunteers to report cases of child sexual abuse.
But they will not be forced to break the confidentiality of confession.
South Australian Police Minister Kevin Foley says the state's Police Commissioner Mal Hyde has recommended existing reporting requirements be extended to religious organisations.
The move comes just days after an independent report criticised the way the Anglican Church in South Australia has handled sexual abuse allegations.
"The Government will work closely with church groups in the implementation of these changes," Mr Foley said.
"The Police Commissioner has also recommended that the penalty for failure to notify be increased."
"The Government will be proposing that the penalty be increased from
$2,500 dollars $10,000."