Former Howard government minister Nick Minchin has been confirmed as Australia's consul general to New York in a move likely to reignite political brinkmanship over the role.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop sacked former Victorian Labor premier Steve Bracks from the position in one of the Coalition's first acts post-election, before the Government had even been sworn in.

The former government appointed Mr Bracks in May 2013 and he had not officially taken up the role before it was revoked last September.

Richard Lether has continued as the acting consul general in New York during that time, prompting Opposition queries as to why the role had still not been filled as of this month.

A statement from Ms Bishop this morning confirmed that Mr Minchin, who quit politics in 2010 and who has been speculated as a possible appointee for the consul general ever since Mr Bracks's sacking, will take up the role.

The former senator was the finance minister in the Howard government and an influential leader of the Liberal Party's right.

"Given the strength and size of New York's financial sector, a primary role for the consul general is influencing key individuals and companies across a range of sectors particularly business and politics," Ms Bishop said.

"By promoting Australia as a major player in the finance sector, the consul general also raises awareness of Australia's resilient economy and our competitive advantages in our region."

But Opposition Leader Bill Shorten says the appointment shows the Government has its priorities wrong.

"The Abbott Government couldn't save 50,000 car workers' jobs, but they'll bend over backwards to give a job to a mate," he said.

"This shows the priorities of the Abbott Government - one former Liberal politician gets a job, the Abbott Government regards that a good week in Parliament, tens of thousands of people lose their job, the Abbott Government says there's nothing they can do."

Mr Minchin helped lead the revolt against Malcolm Turnbull's support of the emissions trading scheme which installed Tony Abbott as Liberal leader and helped crush bipartisan support for emissions trading.

He will take up the role in April.