New Vic children's commissioner appointed

A furore has erupted over the appointment of a former Labor staffer as Victoria's new children's commissioner.

Lawyer Liana Buchanan, currently a commissioner with the Victorian Law Reform Commission, will replace Bernie Geary, who retired in late 2015 after 10 years in the role.

"Liana Buchanan has a distinguished record in public service and will be an outstanding advocate for the rights of Victorian children and young people," Children's Minister Jenny Mikakos said on Tuesday.

Ms Buchanan is the executive officer of the Federation of Community Legal Centres, has worked in senior Department of Justice roles and assisted Rosie Batty during the coronial inquest into her son's death at the hands of his father.

It is Ms Buchanan's history as a former Labor staffer that has raised the ire of the state's Liberal opposition.

Opposition children's spokeswoman Georgie Crozier said Ms Buchanan's Labor pedigree included time working for former Labor minister Rob Hulls and was another example of Labor-friendly appointments by Premier Daniel Andrews.

"We trust that this generously paid former ALP staffer will work with the coalition to be a relentless advocate for children," Ms Crozier said.

Mental Health Minister Martin Foley said on Twitter Ms Crozier's comments were a "gutless attack" on a longstanding human rights leader.