Attorney-General Michaelia Cash has reaffirmed the Human Rights Commission's independence after a fellow Liberal frontbencher raised concerns about using the term "anti-racism".
Assistant Attorney-General Amanda Stoker rang commission president Rosalind Croucher last month to question a $140,000 tender aimed at boosting the Racism It Stops With Me campaign.
Senator Stoker was concerned taxpayer money was being used to promote critical race theory, which has come under fire internationally from conservatives including former US president Donald Trump.
Under questioning from Labor's Jenny McAllister, Senator Cash confirmed she spoke to her assistant minister after the issue emerged in the media.
"She respects the independence of the Australian Human Rights Commission and was merely raising some questions," Senator Cash told an estimates hearing on Wednesday.
"But, as appropriate, Professor Croucher did not let the concerns that were raised influence any decision."
There were minor changes made to the language in the tender but the commission president is adamant Senator Stoker's intervention had no sway.
The attorney-general also contacted Professor Croucher to reassure her about the commission's independence.
"I made it very, very clear that the Morrison government has zero tolerance for all forms of discrimination, especially racism and so do the Australian people," Senator Cash said.
"I made it very clear the Australian Human Rights Commission is a statutory authority and is independent from government."
Professor Croucher is due to appear before the Senate committee on Thursday.
