Anthony Albanese keeps speculation alive of possible Kevin Rudd tilt for United Nations top job

The Prime Minister has refused to rule out his government backing a possible second attempt by Kevin Rudd to become United Nations secretary general, after his term as Australia’s ambassador to Washington.

Over recent weeks there has been speculation inside the Australian government and in the United States, that the former Labor leader could be preparing to re-nominate for the prestigious New York-based position.

A decade ago, the government of then prime minister Malcolm Turnbull vetoed an attempt by Mr Rudd, a Mandarin speaker, to nominate as a candidate for UN secretary-general, a position which will soon become vacant.

Asked whether he would support the idea, Mr Albanese declined to comment, but noted the former Labor leader was soon expected to begin a new position based in New York.

“Well, Kevin Rudd is about to become head of the Asia Society. That’s the job that he has applied for, and indeed was courted for, to return to that job. That is what he will commence in April,” Mr Albanese said.

“He’s done a fantastic job as the Australian Ambassador to the United States of America. That is our most important security relationship, and I’m sure that (new appointee) Greg Moriarty will continue the good work.”

Pressed further on whether the government would support Mr Rudd’s possible candidacy for the UN job, the Prime Minister told reporters in Darwin it’s “not my decision”.

“You might have noticed he has a job that he will start in April, and that is as head of the Asia Society. Thanks very much. I look forward to the Australian media backing Australians for any position that they run for now and in the future”.

Last week the Prime Minister confirmed career diplomat and current defence department secretary Greg Moriarty would replace Mr Rudd as ambassador to the United States, when Mr Rudd’s term finishes in March.

In a letter distributed late last year, the UN formally began the process of “soliciting candidates and to set in motion the process of selecting and appointing the next secretary-general”.

“We invite candidates to be presented who have proven leadership and managerial abilities, extensive experience in international relations and strong diplomatic, communication and multilingual skills,” the November 25 document states.

“Member States are encouraged to strongly consider nominating women as candidates. We note the importance of regional diversity in the selection of secretaries-general,” the president of the UN General Assembly and Security Council president wrote.

Earlier this month, Mr Rudd’s office declined to comment about his possible candidature for the UN secretary general position, and The Nightly has again approached his spokesperson for a response.