Kaanju and Birri/Widi woman Katie Kiss has been announced as the new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner.

Ms Kiss, who grew up in Rockhampton on the land of the Darumbal People, and who is currently the executive director of the interim Truth and Treaty Body supporting Queensland's Path to Treaty, told National Indigenous Times she was "honoured" to be appointed.

"I've worked at the Commission before in the social justice team with two commissioners previously: Tom Calma and Mick Gooda," she said.

"So it is a big honour to be appointed as Social Justice Commissioner now after years of being involved in it, and also just advocating for the rights of First Nations people.

"I look forward to talking to Community and Mob about what the priorities are for the term ahead."

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus KC welcomes Ms Kiss, noting her "extensive" experience in public policy and human rights.

"I congratulate Ms Kiss on her appointment and thank her for taking on this important role," Mr Dreyfus said.

"The Social Justice Commissioner leads the Australian Human Rights Commission's work relating to the human rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

"This includes undertaking research and education projects to promote respect for and the enjoyment and exercise of human rights by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people."

Commission President Rosalind Croucher, said she welcomed Ms Kiss to the role, noting her career had been devoted to the unwavering commitment of promoting and protecting the rights of First Nations people.

"She brings decades of experience in public policy and international human rights law, and has served First Nations communities, including her own, with high distinction," Professor Croucher said.

"Her integrity, and the respect and trust she has garnered across Australia and globally will be hugely beneficial in this role."

Ms Kiss has previously held senior roles in the Queensland Government, including the Chief of Staff to the Minister for Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships.

She has also worked at the Human Rights Commission as director of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social justice team, and was Director of Strategic Projects at the National Congress of Australia's First Peoples.

"The depth of knowledge and expertise the Commissioner brings cannot be overstated, whether that be in social justice, constitutional reform, cultural heritage and protection, community development, or addressing structural inequality," Professor Croucher said.

"This is a delicate and critical time. Following the disappointment of last year's Voice

referendum, it has become even more imperative for Australia to heal and find solutions to support and empower its First Nations communities."

Minister Dreyfus also took the opportunity to thank outgoing commissioner June Oscar for her "outstanding contribution" during her recent term. The Bunuba woman began her five-year term as Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner in 2017, and in April 2022 she was reappointed for a further two years

Last week, Ms Oscar urged mandatory anti-racism training for police forces across the country in the wake of revelations by Zachary Rolfe of racism in the NT police.

"It should provide officers with an opportunity to reflect on how racism can play out in their work, and in their interactions with First Nations people... I'm not aware of any such training having been rolled out on a large scale across Australia," she told the ABC.

Ms Kiss will begin on April 3rd at the conclusion of Ms Oscar's term.