Human rights watchdog gets AG backing

The nation's human rights watchdog has launched a national inquiry into employment discrimination against older Australians and those with a disability.

Unlike the controversial Forgotten Children inquiry, the Human Rights Commission initiated after the 2013 election, this investigation has the backing of the Abbott government.

Attorney-General George Brandis also expressed confidence in former Labor minister Susan Ryan, who will lead the inquiry as age discrimination commissioner.

It's a far cry from his lack of support for commission president Gillian Triggs over the inquiry into children in immigration detention.