But the Papakura MP dodged questions about whether she is also eyeing up the National Party's leadership role, as she spoke in her first major television interview since stepping down as Justice Minister in August last year.
She resigned amid allegations she was "gunning for" the then-head of the Serious Fraud Office Adam Feeley while she was Police Minister in 2011.
At the time she claimed she was "the subject of a two-year smear campaign".
She was cleared in November of any involvement in a bid to undermine Mr Feeley.
Speaking on TV One's Q+A programme this morning, Ms Collins said she "obviously" wanted to return to a Cabinet position.
"I've made that very clear," she said.
"I was forced to resign over allegations that I was completely exonerated for not long after the election.
"I've made it very clear that that's exactly where I'd like to be, but I'm also very clear that in the mean time I'm happy working, giving good value for money for the taxpayer, I hope they feel that, and actually getting on with my life."
She declined to say whether she had spoken to Prime Minister John Key about her desire to be back in his Cabinet, saying: "I'm not going to go down the detail on that. I think it's not fair to do so, but the Prime Minister knows me very well and I know him very well."
It was " completely up to the Prime Minister" whether she returned to Cabinet, and when, she said.
Brushing off a question on whether she would aim higher and go for Mr Key's job when he stands down, she said: "Oh come on, I'm not even in Cabinet, I'm on the back-bench."
- Patrice Dougan of NZME. News Service
