Bishop scoping out Australia's next UN Security Council term

The federal government is exploring opportunities for another Australian stint on the United Nations Security Council.

Despite the coalition's "misgivings" about Labor's successful bid for a non-permanent member seat, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop believes Australia exceeded expectations in its most recent term.

Australia drove a strong international response in the wake of the MH17 tragedy and in a "mammoth effort" secured a resolution condemning the bringing down of the passenger jet over Ukraine.

Ms Bishop said Australia was now well positioned for future engagement across the UN system, including pushing for further international co-operation on counter-terrorism.

"I am currently scoping the opportunities for our next term on the UNSC," she told the United Nations Association of Australia in Canberra yesterday.

"We must continue our work, with resolve, clear-eyed and hard-headed."