Govt defends Wilson in rights role

Australia's new human rights commissioner Tim Wilson has severed ties with social media groups that may be deemed controversial and resigned his Liberal Party membership as the government continues to face scrutiny over his appointment.

Attorney-General George Brandis announced Mr Wilson in the $320,000-annual salary role on February 17.

The position was not publicly advertised and Mr Wilson was approached about the job by way of phone call from Senator Brandis.

But the attorney-general insists the appointment was made in accordance with public service guidelines and that other people were considered for the role.

During a Senate estimates hearing on Monday, Mr Wilson, five days into his job, confirmed he resigned his Liberal Party membership on the day his appointment was made public.

He was asked of his affiliation with the "Bolt Report Supporters Group", a social media following for a commercial television network's current affairs program.

"This is a Facebook group and I have removed all Facebook groups which I think may be controversial to my role," Mr Wilson said.

He has also stopped following a group advocating the privatisation of the ABC.

"I was surprised about the privatise-the-ABC one because it doesn't actually reflect my view, but I have removed that as well."

The Commission's president Gillian Triggs, who said she learnt of her new colleague's appointment before Christmas, welcomed Mr Wilson.

"We're used to having a robust discussion in the commission and we know that Tim's going to add to that so we look forward to it," she said.