Reports say former PM Kevin Rudd has been central in the bringing forward of Australia's Pfizer vaccine supply.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Health Minister Greg Hunt were last week celbrating the bringing forward of 40 million doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to be delivered by the end of the year.

The Federal Government claims the new supply was the result of government negotiations conducted with Pfizer Australia.

But reports now say that former Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd set up important meetings and introductions to make the deal happen. 

He was allegedly working against a poor reputation built up by the Australian Government early in negotiations, with one insider describing Australia as having had a “rude, dismissive and penny pinching” approach.

After speaking to Pfizer chairman and chief executive Albert Bourla, Mr Rudd wrote to the PM to tell him of a new opportunity. 

“Dr Bourla indicated that, if it became physically possible to bring forward delivery, he would require a further formal contractual request from the Australian government to that effect,” Mr Rudd’s letter said. 

“I replied that that was understandable. I added, of course, that would be a matter for the Australian government and that I would pass this on to you.

“In response to my representations, Dr Bourla said he would personally look at ‘what further might be able to be done’.”

Health Minister Greg Hunt has denied Mr Rudd’s alleged influence. 

“While we were made aware of Mr Rudd's approach, we are not aware this approach had any impact on the outcome,” Mr Hunt said in a statement. 

“We appreciate all contributions from those outside of government, even if they made no material difference to the outcome.”

The Federal Government claims Mr Morrison has been in touch with Pfizer executives to discuss the rollout.

Senior Pfizer executives are reportedly astonished that Prime Minister Scott Morrison had not directly spoken to the Pfizer chairman and chief executive Albert Bourla, sending relatively junior bureaucrats instead. 

More details are accessible here.