A new federal sex discrimination commissioner will be named this week.
Cabinet made a decision on the appointment on Monday, Attorney-General George Brandis told a Senate estimates hearing in Canberra on Tuesday.
The new commissioner replaces Elizabeth Broderick who completed her extended term last September.
Senator Brandis blamed the delay on the Liberal leadership change in September.
A four-person panel, which included his department secretary, conducted an "arms-length" process and provided a report to cabinet.
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Seven candidates were interviewed.
Human Rights Commission president Gillian Triggs said Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull consulted her about the process before Christmas.
But previously the president would have been on the appointment panel, she said.
Senator Brandis confirmed Peta Credlin, who was chief of staff to former prime minister Tony Abbott, was never a candidate for the role.
