David Wilson has been appointed the Executive Officer of the Human Rights Commission, Government announced yesterday.

The post comes with a salary in the range of $79,490 - 85,349. Mr. Wilson comes to the position after five years service as one of the Commission's Investigating Officers. He was also acting executive officer immediately prior to his appointment.

"Mr. Wilson will work under the direction of the Director of Human Affairs and the Chairman of the Human Rights Commission to provide a wide range of services, enabling Human Rights Commissioners to discharge their duties and responsibilities in an efficient and capable manner, pursuant to the Human Rights Act 1981," according to the Government Information Services press statement.

Among his duties are promoting an understanding of the Human Rights Act, investigating allegations of discrimination in housing, employment and services, and developing and implementing educational programmes.

Neville Darrell was the post-holder until he became an Opposition Senator in February. But he had not worked as executive officer since March 2001, after just six months on the job as a result of circumstances yet to be fully explained.