Labor king maker Bill Shorten says Labor's losses could have been worse.
"I just want to put on the record that Kevin Rudd did a very good job so far helping Labor candidates being returned," Mr Shorten told the Seven Network.
Mr Shorten has suffered a swing against him, but is holding on to his Melbourne seat of Maribyrnong.
He avoided questions on whether he'd be the next Labor leader.
"This is a night of reflection, the Australian electorate certainly indicated that some are very disappointed in Labor and others renewed their confidence in us," he said.
"Tonight is not the night for that sort of speculation.
"It's a difficult evening but I fear it could have been worse."
