Retired Labor senator and champion Olympian Nova Peris has landed a job with the Victorian government to promote sport among young Aboriginal people in the state.

Ms Peris, who did not recontest her Northern Territory Senate seat at the recent federal election, has been contracted by the Department of Health and Human Services for 12 months.

Former senator Nova Peris has landed a job in the Victorian public service. Credit:Andrew Meares

The department said Ms Peris had been hired to "develop a state-wide plan to boost participation in sport and recreation for Aboriginal children and young people".

"Ms Peris is a national sporting icon and highly-respected Aboriginal leader," a department spokesman said.