Government announces role of Threatened Species Commissioner

Federal Environment Minister, Greg Hunt has announced the appointment of a Threatened Species Commissioner as a part of a recovery plan to save native wildlife species from extinction.

The leadbeater's possum is an endangered species. (AAP)

Mr Hunt says the person appointed to the new position will lead conservation efforts alongside farmers, communities and environmental groups.

Head of conservation at Birdlife Australia, Samantha Vine, says she's pleased to see threatened species back on the political agenda.

She says Australia is facing a biodiversity crisis and welcomes the appointment of a Threatened Species Commissioner.

"We are really facing a extinction crisis in Australia and without someone to champion threatened species recovery in the country I think we're really losing the battle. So we are really encouraged by the announcement that we will have a new person who will champion threatened species recovery in the country."

At least 100 unique species have already become extinct in Australia since European settlement and 1,500 remain under threat.

The Threatened Species Commissioner is expected to be announced on July 1st.

Listen: Head of Conservation at Birdlife Australia, Samantha Vine speaks to Thisanka Siripala