People found in possession of child-like sex dolls could be jailed for up to 10 years under a law change proposed by a South Australian state MP, prompting support from political rivals who say federal reforms are taking too long.

Key points: SA Best MP Connie Bonaros wants tougher penalties for possessing child-like sex dolls

SA Best MP Connie Bonaros wants tougher penalties for possessing child-like sex dolls She says import bans do not go far enough to penalise offenders

She says import bans do not go far enough to penalise offenders A criminology report found the items had the potential to put children at greater risk of abuse

SA Best's Connie Bonaros said the "disturbing" and "sickening" items which resemble young children had the potential to encourage paedophiles to commit child abuse.

She said while federal customs authorities had the power to seize the dolls, there were currently no penalties for those caught importing, selling, making or possessing them.

Ms Bonaros said the Federal Government had so far failed to implement a blanket ban on the items, creating the need for state-based laws.

"The idea that people can be found in possession of sex dolls that not only look like young children, children as young as five … [is] not only repugnant but completely inappropriate and at odds with community standards," Ms Bonaros said.

"Child-like sex 'dolls' — and I use that word loosely — are an emerging and increasing form of child exploitation material that must clearly be criminalised.

"Experts warn that these kinds of perverse, sickening dolls can normalise abusive behaviour towards children, encourage the sexualisation of children and increase the likelihood that a paedophile will engage in sexual activity with or towards children."

Department of Home Affairs figures show that 133 child sex dolls were detected by import authorities in the five years from mid-2013 to mid-2018.

Ms Bonaros, an Upper House MP in SA Parliament, has lodged a series of Freedom of Information (FOI) requests with the department to access the most recent data.

A report by the Australian Institute of Criminology released earlier this year found the items could put children at greater risk of abuse.

"Child sex dolls are anatomically correct, life-size dolls made to look like pubescent and prepubescent children," the report stated.

"Currently manufactured in overseas markets, including China, Hong Kong and Japan, they are designed to be as lifelike as possible.

"Interaction with child sex dolls could increase the likelihood of child sexual abuse by desensitising the doll user to the physical, emotional and psychological harm caused by child sexual abuse and normalising the behaviour in the mind of the abuser."

The report also stated there was no evidence that they would reduce sexual violence or paedophilia.

'We can't afford to wait': Labor backs proposal

The Federal Government has previously moved to ban the items, with Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton outlining a range of related measures to crack down on child sexual abuse.

"In particular, the bill will clarify the law to ensure that the abhorrent new trend of child-like sex dolls, used to simulate sexual intercourse with children, is clearly and robustly stamped out in Australia," Mr Dutton told Parliament in July.

Ms Bonaros will introduce the legislation to Parliament in the next few weeks. ( Twitter )

Ms Bonaros said regardless of what action is taken at a national level, she hoped her private member's bill would "pave the way for other jurisdictions" to follow suit.

"What it means is that irrespective of the federal laws that apply, under our laws here in South Australia, our police will always have the ability to step in and prosecute and lay charges," she said.

"The only ability we have to intercept these dolls is under our Customs Act but that is very weak in that they can only be found to be objectionable products and confiscated on that ground.

"Not allowing them to come into the country, if indeed they are intercepted, is one thing — but actually laying charges and prosecuting an individual who attempts to do so is a completely different matter."

Under the SA Best proposal, anyone found guilty of "producing, disseminating or in possession" of the dolls could be jailed for up to 10 years.

Ms Bonaros said she intended to introduce legislation to SA Parliament within the next few weeks, and has already secured the support of Labor.

"If the Federal Government are moving in this direction, that's good, and I'm sure we'll look to make sure our laws harmonise, but we can't afford to wait," shadow attorney-general Kyam Maher said.

"Anything at all that might lead to children being less safe and possibly preyed upon is something we can't tolerate."

The SA Government said it agreed that "these types of products" should not be available in South Australia.

"This bill ensures beyond doubt that these products are captured in existing provisions," a government spokesperson said.

"The Attorney-General will be considering SA Best's legislation in the coming weeks."