Turnbull has said Australia won’t back Rudd for the position of secretary general because he doesn’t believe the former Labor prime minister is suited for the role.

However, The Australian reports DFAT’s submission to cabinet said Rudd was a better candidate than previous secretary generals who held the job.

Trade Minister Steve Ciobo denied the decision set a precedent.

“The reasons the Prime Minister harboured reservations have been laid out by the Prime Minister and I’m comfortable with it,” he told ABC radio today.

“It’s not to be viewed as setting a precedent in any way, shape or form.”

Meanwhile, a former Australian ambassador to China who served under the Rudd and Gillard government, Geoff Raby, says Rudd’s bid might not be over.

Raby pointed out that Rudd was close to US Democrats presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

In an opinion piece for the Australian Financial Review, he speculated that Clinton could back him for the job, if she wins the US election.

On the weekend, Rudd released three letters claiming he had had the support of Turnbull in his quest for the United Nations’ job.

In a letter dated May 1, Rudd said he had multiple verbal assurances from the current Prime Minister as recently as December supporting his tilt for the secretary-general role.

Rudd initially wrote to Turnbull on April 4, formally asking the Australian Government to nominate him for the UN position. He also wrote a third letter on July 28 requesting a meeting with Turnbull following the election.

– AAP