From: Kevin Rudd

Subject: Possible Candidature for the position of UN Secretary General

My Dear Prime Minister,

We have not spoken since the outcome of the election. Please accept my warmest congratulations on being
returned as Prime Minister. Elections are hard, as we both know from deep personal experience.
You will be aware that following our last conversation, I reached an agreement with Foreign Minister Julie
Bishop, as to how to proceed with exploring my possible candidature for the position of United Nations
Secretary General. Since then, I have been taking soundings from diplomatic missions to the UN in New York,
as well as visits to capitals around the world. The feedback thus far has been positive. The Foreign Minister
will be in a better position to give you her own read on that. I would also value the opportunity to do that with
you as well.
Based on that, I would value the opportunity of discussing with you personally your own priorities for the future
of the UN and particularly priorities for the role of Secretary General.
I understand that Cabinet has been deliberating on the question of my possible candidature during the course
of the day. I have just head of your comments at your press conference on this, and I have seen the associated
press reporting.
As a former Prime Minister, I understand the difficulties that you may face in reaching a decision on whether to
support my candidature. I'm sure you have heard a range of cabinet views. There are a vast range of political
and policy factors at stake which then ultimately land on the PMs desk to resolve. And this is difficult.
But I would appreciate the opportunity to put my own case to you prior to reaching a decision. And to
respectfully ask for your support.
I understand that the government right now has many other priorities to deal with, not least the establishment of
the Royal Commission into the juvenile justice system in the Northern Territory. My matter is small compared
with these.
Given that I am now back in Australia, I would request the opportunity to meet with you in person in the days
ahead, at a time of your choosing, to discuss these issues at greater length. I do not propose to make a media
show about this. It would be a private meeting. And I would simply ask for the right to be heard.
Finally, there is no crashing urgency for this to be resolved immediately. I have already missed the first straw
poll. and the second is more than a week away. So a meeting with you can wait a number of days.
I would be most grateful therefore if your staff could deal with my COS Kate Sieper, (0466 745 615) to arrange
the logistics of any such meeting.
I am sending a copy of this letter to the Foreign Minister for her information.
Yours Sincerely
The Hon. Kevin Rudd
26th Prime Minister of Australia