While some governments might try to sneak in controversial legislation before going into caretaker mode, the South Australian government made a rather colourful decision in the last hours of its rule before the upcoming election.

Premier Jay Weatherill quietly said 'aye' to a pre-election policy to officially adopt a South Australian tartan.

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What does the new tartan represent?

Lodged officially with The Scottish Register of Tartans in February, South Australia's new material features five colours.

Red represents the Sturt Desert Pea

Red represents the Sturt Desert Pea Black is for the Piping Shrike — from the state flag

Black is for the Piping Shrike — from the state flag Gold is a not to the state's official colours

Gold is a not to the state's official colours Blue is from the Australian flag and state's coat of arms

Blue is from the Australian flag and state's coat of arms Green represents grasslands for the state's agriculture industry

Brighter than many tartans, the South Australian colours are meant as a collective nod to the state's gemstone, the Desert Fire Opal.

How long has this been in the works?

The decision doesn't seem to be a last minute call by Mr Weatherill.

Scottish Association of South Australia president John McNeil told ABC Radio Adelaide the tartan was already associated with the state, but had only just been formally registered.

Canberra tartan designer Betty Johnson developed the pattern, which has also been given the tick of approval from a Perth kilt maker responsible for testing how the pattern fits together when pleated.

And the Premier was on the VIP list for a sample and is now the proud owner of a state tartan tie — pictured above.

So when can you purchase your own South Aussie kilt?

It might be a little while yet.

Mr McNeil said South Australia's material was "in line" for a small batch to be created at a Scottish tartan mill.

He hoped the first batch would be put on display "at a few places in the state" for people to enjoy.

It will then be available for production in items such as ladies' skirts, kilts, slacks, men's neck ties, scarves and shawls.