In a speech to young Labor Party members, Kevin Rudd has described the Coalition government's decision not to support his bid to become the next leader of the United Nations as proof that sometimes the best-laid plans in life will "turn to shit", and referred to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull as a "brick wall" to his advancement.

Footage of the speech emerged on Facebook as the storm of controversy around his bid grew, with Mr Turnbull effectively accusing Mr Rudd of verballing him, and Coalition Senator Cory Bernardi bragging that Labor frontbenchers were personally congratulating him for his part in blocking Mr Rudd's ambitions.

The former Labor prime minister made the candid remarks during an informal chat to young Labor activists in Brisbane on Saturday, just one day after Mr Turnbull told him he lacked the "interpersonal skills" to be nominated for the job.

Mr Rudd told the activists how the election of Gough Whitlam piqued his interest in politics and shaped his views. He recounted writing to Mr Whitlam, telling him he would like to become a diplomat.