Speaking on 3AW Radio on Wednesday, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said the Member for Eden-Monaro would make a good defence minister if the party was successful at the polls.

Defence Minister Stephen Smith is retiring at the election, but will remain in the position until then.

‘‘In my view and I’ve said this privately to colleagues over a long period of time, the best person around to do that, if the government is returned, is Mike Kelly,’’ Mr Rudd said.

‘‘It’s important that we have strong hands around that particular responsibility.’’

Mr Kelly told Fairfax Media he had spoken to Mr Rudd ahead of his comments.

''It's always been my hope to serve within the defence portfolio,'' Mr Kelly said.

''Certainly, to be able to serve at the highest level in the portfolio would be the pinnacle of my professional life.''

Mr Kelly said if Labor was successful at the polls, the role would still be subject to caucus approval.

''I certainly respect that caucus process,'' he said.

''But to have the Prime Minister express that confidence in me is something I’m very grateful for.''

However, Liberal candidate for Eden-Monaro Peter Hendy said the nod to Mr Kelly was disrespectful to voters.

“I think it’s the height of arrogance to talk about jobs after the election when the focus should be on Eden-Monaro,” he said.