Australian foreign minister says government would consider what support former PM would need if he put his name forward to replace Ban Ki-moon

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

The federal government has said it would consider backing Kevin Rudd for the role of UN secretary-general should he apply for it.

The foreign minister, Julie Bishop, told reporters in New York: “Should Kevin Rudd nominate, then of course the Australian government would consider what sort of support he would require.”

“But Kevin Rudd has not nominated.”

The role occupied by Ban Ki-moon will become vacant when his term expires at the end of this year.

As part of the process, each UN member state presents their candidates to the president of the general assembly and security council.

Rudd appears to comfortably fit the selection criteria for the job, which requires candidates with proven leadership and managerial abilities, experience in international relations and diplomacy.

However, the UN is making a strong push for female nominees, with a December call-out encouraging member states to present women for the position.

So far, three high-profile candidates have put their hat in the ring, including former Macedonian foreign minister Srgjan Kerim, Croatian foreign minister Vesna Pusić and Montenegro’s deputy prime minister Igor Lukšić.