In his first press conference since being elected leader of the Labor Party, Anthony Albanese quoted one of his musical idols and promptly set social media into meltdown.
Mr Albanese was unopposed in his candidacy for Labor’s top job, after a string of other hopefuls dropped out last week.
Bill Shorten announced he would not stay on in the role after Labor’s stunning election defeat to the Coalition.
“I want to reiterate my congratulations to Scott Morrison,” Mr Albanese said this morning.
“I will hold his government to account, strongly and forcefully. I am a values politician. But I also say this — I’m not Tony Abbott.
“People want solutions, not arguments. They have conflict fatigue.”
Mr Albanese, a music fan and occasional amateur DJ, quoted singer-songwriter Billy Bragg by saying: “Not everything that counts can be counted.”
That was in reference to his achievements in both government and opposition — leading Bragg’s name to trend on Twitter.
Despite reports that Mr Shorten was plotting against him last week, Mr Albanese praised his hard work during the campaign.
Shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen was encouraged to run by Mr Shorten and the party’s federal president Wayne Swan.
The former leader has long had a strained relationship with Mr Albanese, with Labor insiders telling news.com.au the pair don’t trust each other.
But Mr Bowen bowed out last week, leaving Mr Albanese, a member of the party’s left faction and the veteran MP for Grayndler in Sydney, as the final candidate standing.
And it appears one of his first decisions in the job will be to extend an olive branch to Mr Shorten by offering him a frontbench shadow portfolio, The Australian reports.
“I want to pay tribute to Bill Shorten. No one could’ve worked harder,” Mr Albanese said today.
“He will remain in an honoured position in our party. And I have been pleased to have conversations with him over recent days as well.”
Mr Albanese borrowed the Prime Minister’s references to aspiration, speaking of his humble beginnings as the child of a poor single mother.
“People do aspire for a better life, but in the land of the fair go they aspire to more than things than themselves. They aspire to a better life for their family, for their friends, for their local community and for their nation.”
He also pledged to win the support of people who “wanted to vote Labor last Saturday” as well as those who weren’t inclined to support the Opposition.
“I want to reach out to those also who didn’t support Labor last Saturday, whether they’re working people, small and family businesses, young and old, regardless of where they live,” he said.
“I want to build relationships with people across the spectrum.”
It’s Mr Albanese’s second tilt at Labor’s top job. He put his hand up in 2013 after the election, standing against Mr Shorten, but was unsuccessful.
He won the majority of votes from rank and file members but MPs backed Mr Shorten over him. Relations between the two have been tense ever since.
But Mr Albanese said he was a person who valued relationships with people he disagreed with.
“I’ve always believed that you had to understand and respect different perspectives. That’s why even in government I was one of the few people who talked to people who I had fundamental disagreements with in the media.
“I have always believed in engaging and learning each and every day.”
Mr Albanese took to Twitter this morning to share the news, saying he was “honoured”.
“Thank you to members of caucus, rank and file members and affiliates for your support,” Mr Albanese wrote. “Together we can return our great Party to government in three years time.”
Clare O’Neil yesterday announced she would not run for deputy leader, saying it wasn’t the right time for her after receiving “respectful and honest” feedback from her colleagues, leaving Richard Marles as the only formal contender.
That position will be decided when Labor’s caucus convenes in Canberra later this week for the first time since the election.
RELATED: Scott Morrison dumps ‘laughing stock’ from Cabinet
The Australian reports Mr Shorten will receive a frontbench position while Mr Chalmers will take on Treasury.
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