Rudd endorsed by indigenous leaders

Senator Pat Dodson, Professor Tom Calma and about a dozen other indigenous leaders have spoken out in favour of former prime minister Kevin Rudd.

They say it was "a true disappointment" his nomination for secretary-general of the United Nations was not endorsed by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

"The man who delivered the Apology is a man suitable for the post of Secretary-General of the United Nations," the group said in a statement issued on Sunday afternoon at the Garma festival in northeast Arnhem Land.

"Kevin Rudd has long demonstrated his commitment to First Nations Peoples. Under his leadership our Stolen Generations received an acknowledgement and apology for the hurt and trauma endured."

They said he established closing the gap targets and remains committed to indigenous Australians.

"Kevin Rudd remains a friend and champion of First Nations Peoples and it is a true disappointment that his nomination for the UNSG has not been endorsed," the statement ended.

It was signed by Labor senator Pat Dodson, Professor Tom Calma, Dr Jackie Huggins, Lowitja O'Donoghue, Pat Turner, Justin Mohammed, Andrea Mason, Gail Mabo, Professor Peter Buckskin, Nolan Hunter, Kaylene Malthouse, Melissa George and Lauren Ganley.