The co-chair of the prime minister's indigenous advisory council has raised concerns over Tony Abbott's appointment as special envoy for Aboriginal affairs.
Andrea Mason said the council learnt about the former prime minister's new job through media reports.
That prompted the council to write to Prime Minister Scott Morrison asking for an explanation in a meeting with the council.
Ms Mason said she was concerned Mr Abbott's focus on school attendance would be negative.
"I'm sure that Mr Abbott would say he's not an expert in education, we do have experts in indigenous education and we do want those voices elevated," she told ABC radio on Tuesday.
Mr Abbott was given the role of special envoy for indigenous affairs after being left out of ministry, in an effort to heal the wounds of last month's damaging leadership coup.
But indigenous leaders reacted angrily to the snap appointment.
Rod Little, co-chair of the National Congress of Australia's First Peoples, said last week Mr Abbott had a poor record on indigenous affairs as prime minister.
Ms Mason criticised the lack of consultation on Mr Abbott's new job, raising concerns of a crowded space in indigenous affairs.
"Obviously there's a bit of concern about how this new role will indeed work with the council," she said.
Mr Morrison has defended the appointment, saying he had travelled with Mr Abbott to remote communities and experienced his passion firsthand.
