Former Liberal senator Nick Minchin has labelled Australia's successful bid for a seat on the United Nations security council as "disgusting".

Mr Minchin said the lobbying process, which cost about $25 million, was a waste of money because Australia's spot was a temporary one.

'I think it's frankly disgusting that we've spent this money': Former Liberal senator Nick Minchin. Credit: David Mariuz

"We will have no influence because all the decisions are made by the permanent members of the UN security council," he told Network Ten's the Bolt Report program on Sunday.

"I think it's frankly disgusting that we've spent this money, this time and this effort to pursue something that I think compromises our aid program and potentially compromises our foreign affairs positions."