They replaced a coat of arms granted to the State in 1936 by King Edward VIII.

The shield has the piping shrike within a golden disc (representing the rising sun) on a blue background.

The piping shrike is the unofficial bird emblem of South Australia and also appears on the state badge.

The crest is the Sturt's desert pea, the floral emblem of South Australia, on top of a wreath of the state colours.

[citation needed] The compartment, or base, is a grassland with symbols of agriculture and industry, and a motto with the name "South Australia".