Former IT and Communications Minister Richard Alston says he is not interested in the top job at Telstra.
Alston rejected the Telstra position after the Prime Minister John Howard told media last week he would not oppose his appointment as the telco's new chairman.
The Prime Minister made the comment in the wake of Bob Mansfield's resignation as Telstra chairman.
Soon after the telecommunications giant appointed an executive search team to find a replacement, Howard praised Alston's ability and experience adding he would not oppose him filling the position.
However, Alston has since made it clear he is not interested in taking on the role claiming, "I've got more than enough on my plate." Senator Alston retired from Parliament last December after 17 and a half years in Parliament.
His successor as Communications Minister, Daryl Williams, has also announced plans to retire from politics at the next federal election.