Australia’s Human Rights Commissioner Tim Wilson says it’s ‘disgraceful’ Saudi Arabia has been chosen to head a United Nations Human Rights panel.

The announcement has been widely condemned, given the Middle Eastern country is renowned for its brutally repressive regime.

Mr Wilson didn’t hold back when asked what he thought on 3AW Drive.

‘To be brutally honest, I think it’s disgraceful,’ he said.

Mr Wilson said the decision made him feel ‘utterly despondent’.

LISTEN: Tim Wilson tees off on 3AW Drive