DFAT sussed out Rudd's chances at UN

The foreign affairs department has confirmed its post at the United Nations in New York sussed out with other countries the prospects of a Kevin Rudd bid for the secretary general job.

The former prime minister's hopes were dashed in August when Malcolm Turnbull dismissed his lobbying to be Australia's candidate.

Former Portuguese prime minister Antonio Guterres has been appointed to the role.

In a Senate estimates hearing in Canberra on Thursday, DFAT officials said the department provided the incoming government with a briefing for cabinet deliberations.