Bracks backs his diplomatic credentials

The Abbott government has been accused of pettiness after it axed Steve Bracks' diplomatic posting. Source: AAP

FORMER Victorian Labor premier Steve Bracks is defending his credentials for a high-profile diplomatic post after being axed by the incoming federal coalition.

The businessman and two-term Victorian premier was due to take up a role as Australia's consul-general in New York imminently after being appointed to the position in May, but the assignment was cancelled this week by Foreign Minister-elect Julie Bishop.

"My financial services background, my funds management background, my background as a premier obviously would have been well-suited to the role," Mr Bracks told reporters on Tuesday after receiving news he will not be heading to Manhattan.

"Nevertheless the new government will be having someone in the role and I wish them every success."

The coalition were critical of Labor's lack of cross-party consultation over the appointment, which came after then prime minister Julia Gillard had named an election date.

But the government wasn't under any obligation to consult on the appointment because it wasn't in caretaker mode in May when the job was announced.

Liberal Senator George Brandis said there were also concerns over Mr Brack's eligibility for the diplomatic post.

"Mr Bracks' credentials for the New York post - a former state premier - were not obvious to us," he said.

Having started official preparations for the new role a month ago, Mr Bracks said he may consider his legal rights, "but no more than that".

Labor's acting foreign affairs spokeswoman Tanya Plibersek slammed the coalition's move as "petty and vindictive", insisting Mr Bracks is "eminently qualified" for the role, while calling on Prime Minister-elect Tony Abbott to reveal who will be sent instead.

"It is telling that the first act of an Abbott government is to play party politics in international affairs," Ms Plibersek said in a statement.

When Labor won government in 2007 it allowed former Liberal minister Amanda Vanstone to complete her posting to Italy.

Labor also appointed former Liberal leader Brendan Nelson as ambassador to the European Union and Tim Fischer as ambassador to the Vatican.

Taking a light-hearted approach to his scuppered diplomatic future, Mr Bracks said he looks forward to being in the crowd for some upcoming AFL action.

"The good news is I'll be able to get to the finals," he shrugged.

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