Backing Rudd for UN 'would be mistake'

Liberal senator Eric Abetz believes it would be a mistake for the government to endorse Kevin Rudd for a top United Nations job.

Senator Abetz says the Labor party's rejection of the former prime minister is proof why he shouldn't be nominated for the role of UN secretary-general.

"Everybody in Australia knows of those character flaws," he told Sky News on Thursday.

"To seek to inflict that on the United Nations I think quite frankly is a disservice to the United Nations."

However, Senator Abetz believes the government shouldn't give the UN any greater prominence.

There was a rebellion around the world from those countries which have "done too much in consort" with the UN.

Australia would lose its autonomy, he said.