Australia takes up its two-year term on the United Nations Security Council from today, after it was elected as a non-permanent member in October.

Foreign Minister Bob Carr says Australia will now have a direct hand in dealing with global security challenges such as the ongoing conflict in Syria.

He says Australia's unique experience with humanitarian crises in the Pacific region will be invaluable.

"Our involvement in conflicts in Timor-Leste, Bougainville, Afghanistan, all give us experience that will be valuable on the Security Council," he said.

"To look at the conflicts in Africa and as well, to look at the really big challenges like that of the North Korean rocket launch of December 12, or the continuing bloodshed in Syria."

Senator Carr says he is yet to decide what aid programs will be deferred or cut to pay for the living costs of asylum seekers in Australia.

A total of $375 million is due to be diverted from the aid budget, and Senator Carr says he expects the money to be recovered across a broad range of programs.

"I'm looking at contributions across the spread of the aid budget," he said.

"I expect that some of our programs will be implemented over a two or three-year timetable instead of earlier, and I'd like to think they would be all the better for that."