Former police union boss Greg Davies has been named Victoria’s first Commissioner for Victims of Crime.

Attorney-General Robert Clark on Sunday announced Mr Davies was taking up the role, which is aimed at ensuring the rights and needs of victims are respected.

Mr Davies is a former secretary of the Police Association.

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Mr Clark said the role of commissioner would build on current support services, advocating for the interests of victims and making recommendations to the government about how their needs could be better met.

“The role of the commissioner will be to ensure that the rights and needs of victims are recognised and respected across the justice system, to ensure that support services are well co-ordinated and well directed,” he told reporters.

He said Mr Davies bought unique experience to the role, with contacts that were “unsurpassed”.

“He has a strong and demonstrated commitment through his career to standing up for the rule of law and protecting the interests of victims against offenders,” Mr Clark said.

Mr Davies, 55, said he hoped to better streamline victims’ services in his new role and increase the awareness of their rights.

“Victims are quite often very traumatised and perhaps shouldn’t have to go hunting through various websites or leaflets and trying to track down what they can and cannot get by way of help,” he told reporters.

Mr Davies also said police officers, who often had first contact, were getting much better in dealing with victims but there was always room for improvement.

“There is a far greater awareness amongst police officers now in relation to the rights of victims and if we can continue to improve that then that will be a major part of the role done,” he said.

He has been appointed for two years.

Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews congratulated the government and Premier Denis Napthine on Mr Davies’ appointment.

“I’ve got to say this is the right decision, the right call,” he told reporters on Sunday.

“Greg, I’m sure, will be an outstanding person for this role, giving a voice to those who so often don’t have a voice, those who have been a victim of crime.”