Kelly confirms interest in Senate spot

Former Labor minister Mike Kelly has confirmed he is interested in replacing Bob Carr in the Senate.

Mr Kelly lost his NSW seat of Eden-Monaro at the September 7 election but says he is keen to continue serving in parliament.

The former minister for defence materiel is now considered one of the most likely candidates to fill the upper house vacancy if Senator Carr resigns.

Senator Carr has not yet announced his intentions but is expected to depart after Labor's election defeat and his loss of the foreign affairs portfolio.

Mr Kelly, who would have been defence minister if Labor had won the election, has flagged he is keen to step up to the Senate.

"A lot of people have been urging me to consider that if that opportunity did arise," he told ABC radio on Tuesday.

But he stressed Senator Carr had not yet made up his mind, and as a "tremendous servant" to the parliament he deserved to make his own decision about his future.

Mr Kelly hinted he would also consider having another run at Eden-Monaro at the next election.

"I feel that my best service could be provided in returning to assist my community if I was to stay in politics," he said.

"Certainly in terms of a House of Representatives situation I'd never consider running for any other seat. Eden-Monaro was special to me."

Acting Labor leader Chris Bowen said he hadn't spoken to Senator Carr to see if he would stay on in the Senate following Labor's election loss.

However, he said the party had a number of people who could contribute in the Senate if required.

"Deb O'Neill ... we're very sorry (about) her loss from the parliament," he said.

"Mike Kelly likewise. A very good candidate who got defeated at the election through, frankly, no lack of hard work or expertise on his behalf.

"It would be a good opportunity, if that were to arise, to keep somebody whose recently lost their seat in the parliament, have them return to the parliament and continue to make a contribution."