Kevin Rudd UN snub: Scott Morrison defends Turnbull decision

Scott Morrison denies the decision to ignore formal advice on the UN job has undermined Julie Bishop’s authority.

The decision by the government not to back Kevin Rudd’s UN tilt continues to resonate. Picture: Hollie Adams

Treasurer Scott Morrison has defended Malcolm Turnbull’s decision to disregard formal advice to cabinet from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade over the thwarted nomination of Kevin Rudd’s bid for the United Nations’ top job.

The Australian today revealed the submission, written by new departmental head Frances Adamson and presented by Foreign Minister Julie Bishop at Thursday’s cabinet meeting, said Mr Rudd compared well with the current field of 12 candidates for UN secretary-general.

Mr Morrison, asked about the affair today, said it was “the government that runs the government, not departments”.

“The departments are there to implement the government’s policy and the government’s decisions,” he told Sydney’s 2GB radio.

“In any area, departments will give you advice, departments will comment on things, but the government runs the government, not departments.”

Mr Morrison downplayed the damage to Julie Bishop’s authority as Foreign Minister.

“She did her job. She put forward the recommendation which you would expect the Foreign Minister to do and she enjoys enthusiastic support from everyone and she is a star as Foreign Minister and deputy leader,” he said.

“Frankly, the most important issue in Australia at the moment is not Kevin - never was, never was going to be.”

The case to nominate the former Labor prime minister was strengthened by the support of Australia’s ambassador to the US, Joe Hockey, and high commissioner in London, Alexander Downer.

Ms Bishop argued in favour of nominating Mr Rudd, appealing to protocol and precedent, with the Hawke cabinet having supported Malcolm Fraser for secretary-general of the Commonwealth and the Howard cabinet supporting Gareth Evans to be head of UNESCO.

Last night, indigenous leaders gave their support to Mr Rudd, with 13 putting their name to a statement declaring: “The man who delivered the apology is a man suitable for the post of secretary-general of the UN.”

Ms Bishop found support at the cabinet table in Attorney-General George Brandis and Health Minister Sussan Ley, but the majority were opposed in light of damning character assessments of Mr Rudd offered by former Labor colleagues, with Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce, Scott Morrison and Immigration Minister Peter Dutton arguing that nomination was tantamount to endorsement.