Liberal MP Andrew Nikolic has been appointed to chair parliament's intelligence and security committee, despite Labor objections.
Mr Nikolic is a 31-year veteran of the Australian Regular Army, having served as a soldier and officer, rising to the rank of brigadier.
From 2008-2011 he worked in the Department of Defence, providing policy advice to government on international defence relations and defence force operations.
However, Labor shadow attorney-general Mark Dreyfus on Thursday questioned the Tasmanian MP's suitability, given his "extreme right-wing views".
Mr Nikolic has been outspoken on the need for tougher anti-terrorism laws and has been a close ally of former prime minister Tony Abbott.
"What we'll be seeing is in fact turning a national security matter into a plaything of internal political machinations," Mr Dreyfus said.
Mr Nikolic, who has been a member of the committee since December 2013, said he was thankful for the opportunity to serve as chair.
"During the last two years, our committee has delivered bipartisan, evidence-based recommendations to improve legislation and fulfil our oversight role of agencies like ASIO, ASIS and the AFP," he said in a statement.
"That important work, focused on national security priorities, will continue under my chairmanship."
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