The first thing Australia's new Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins wants to do is listen.

In the wake of her appointment on Thursday, Ms Jenkins said she plans to consult women "from all walks of life" to work out "where my energies should go" over the next five years in the key role.

Senator Michaelia Cash congratulates Kate Jenkins on her announcement as the new Sex Discrimination Commissioner with Attorney-General George Brandis. Credit:Andrew Meares

But she is certain of one thing, her job will be to make sure Australia understands that gender discrimination "isn't just about a few [sexist] jokes".

"I think part of my job is not to over-catastrophise but to make sure that people more broadly understand," the former Herbert Smith Freehills partner in employment law said.