AG hands Dodson some question time advice

The Senate's newest member has been offered a tongue-in-cheek tip by the federal attorney-general during his first question in the chamber.

Indigenous leader Pat Dodson delivered his maiden, and potentially last, question of his current Senate term on Tuesday, asking about the government's $100,000 degrees.

The Labor senator, who was sworn in on Monday, was warmly welcomed to the upper house by Attorney-General George Brandis before being given some backhanded advice.

"Don't read out questions that are handed to you by Senator Stephen Conroy or Senator Penny Wong or any of those geniuses that sit on the Labor Party question time tactics committee," Senator Brandis said.

"Because I'm afraid Senator Dodson that your colleagues have set you up."

The government denies Labor's allegations that university degrees would cost $100,000 under its policies, while maintaining it invests significantly in higher education.

Senator Dodson, minus his famous Akubra hat, offered a laugh at Senator Brandis' dig.

The attorney-general earlier told the chamber he felt sure the indigenous leader would make a "distinguished and important" contribution to the Senate.