Labor's foreign affairs spokeswoman Tanya Plibersek has labelled the timeframe for Australia's bid to rejoin the United Nations Security Council as unambitious.

Ms Plibersek told the ABC she welcomed the move by Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, who announced Australia would be a candidate for a non-permanent seat in 2029-30.

Australia finished its previous term on the Security Council in December last year.

Ms Plibersek told Radio National that Labor would not "play the game" in response to the bid, which comes after strong opposition from the Coalition during Labor's time in government.

"They were very critical of our attempt to win the UN Security Council seat but I'm glad they made an effort once it was won to participate," she said.

"We would never criticise the Government for saying that Australia should play a greater international role.

"It surprises me a little bit that we're talking about 14 years, 15 years from now — that seems a little unambitious to me."

Speaking in New York, Ms Bishop said the timeframe for the bid would allow the Government the opportunity to campaign effectively.

"That may seem a long time away but it is appropriate for us to give notice of our intention to campaign for a seat because these are highly competitive campaigns and we don't want to spend unnecessary time and resources trying to campaign at an earlier slot," she said.

"This is the advice experts of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have given us and we've accepted that advice.

"Australia served with distinction throughout our last two-year term," Ms Bishop said in a statement.

UN Security Council members Angola

Angola Chad

Chad Chile

Chile Jordan

Jordan Lithuania

Lithuania Malaysia

Malaysia New Zealand

New Zealand Nigeria

Nigeria Spain

Spain Venezuela

Venezuela The five permanent members are China, France, Russia, the UK and the US

The UN body includes 10 non-permanent members, with five elected each year and the Government said bidding for 2029-30 would help Australia's chances.

"Security Council elections are highly competitive and candidacies are usually announced many years in advance," Ms Bishop said.

"The 2029-30 term is the first available opportunity to nominate for a seat that is uncontested, giving Australia the greatest chance of success and minimising the cost."

Ms Bishop made the official announcement at the UN General Assembly in New York and will promote Australia's UN Human Rights Council candidacy for the 2018-20 term.

Push for global abolition of death penalty

Ms Bishop also noted Australia's earlier work on the Security Council responding to the shooting down of flight MH17 over Ukraine and lobbying for an international response to terrorist group Islamic State.

"The need for strong international cooperation to tackle global security challenges becomes more pressing each year," she said.

"If elected, Australia will use our term to support Australia's core national security interests, while enhancing our international influence by making a practical constructive contribution.

"We are an international leader in advancing the rights of women and girls, strengthening governance and democratic institutions and promoting freedom of expression.

"Australia would also be a leading advocate for global abolition of the death penalty."