Attorney-General George Brandis has heaped praise on departing Human Rights Commissioner Tim Wilson, commending him for "single-handedly" reshaping the human rights debate.
Mr Wilson on Sunday revealed he would step down in order to run for Liberal preselection in the seat of retiring Trade Minister Andrew Robb.
Senator Brandis congratulated Mr Wilson for restoring balance to debate that had been "dominated by the priorities and prejudices of the left".
"The Australian people owe Tim Wilson a huge debt of gratitude for his passion and commitment," the senior Liberal minister said in a statement on Monday.
Having served two years of his five-year term, Mr Wilson admits stepping down was a tough decision.
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Human Rights Commission president Gillian Triggs on Monday also released a statement thanking Mr Wilson for his contribution to freedom of speech and religion and marriage equality.
"Commissioner Wilson has brought together diverse groups of Australians to promote fundamental human rights and freedoms," Prof Triggs said in the statement.
Mr Wilson will seek Liberal preselection for the Melbourne seat of Goldstein, despite Mr Robb indicating he wanted a woman to take over when he retires at the next federal election.
Those comments sparked speculation Alexander Downer's daughter Georgina Downer could have Mr Robb's backing.
Mr Wilson said being commissioner had been the "most invaluable" experience of his life.
However, he believes it's the parliament that can respond to human rights issues and says the people of Goldstein deserve someone who will fight for them.
"This is not a time to be timid. It's a time to be bold," he said in his resignation statement on Monday.
"Our country faces big challenges: debt and deficits, high taxes and youth unemployment, to name a few."
Mr Wilson pledged to continue supporting the work of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda regardless of what happens with preselection.
Shadow attorney-general Mark Dreyfus said Mr Wilson had done the right thing by resigning from his post.
But he warned against waiting too long to replace him, like the five months it took the government to fill former Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick's shoes.
"I think there's a concern if the position is allowed to remain vacant for too long," Mr Dreyfus told ABC radio.
The human rights commissioner role was effectively left vacant under the Labor government between 2009 and 2012, while Catherine Branson held it as a dual appointment along with her HRC presidency.
