Abbott is 'crying crocodile tears': Shorten

Labor frontbencher Bill Shorten says Tony Abbott is crying "crocodile tears" when he says he is disappointed to only have one woman in his cabinet.

Incoming Foreign Minister Julie Bishop will be the only female in the coalition's 19-member cabinet, an arrangement the prime minister-elect described as "disappointing".

But Mr Shorten says there are talented women in Liberal Party ranks and Mr Abbott as party leader could not blame anyone but himself for their lack of representation in senior roles.

"He needs to buy a mirror to find out where the problem lies," Mr Shorten said in Melbourne on Tuesday.

"Mr Abbott's crying crocodile tears when he claims he's disappointed that there's only one woman in cabinet."

Former coalition industry spokesperson Sophie Mirabella could have been a second woman on the new government's frontbench, but she ruled herself out last week with being in danger of losing her seat of Indi, where she trails by 387 votes with counting continuing.

Mr Shorten described the incoming cabinet as a "throw-back to the 1950s and `60s", pointing out that the previous Labor government had six women in cabinet.

However he rejected the idea that Mr Abbott was a misogynist, saying actions speak louder than words.

"Maybe it's inexperience, maybe it's their values," he said.

"This shows they're really out of touch."

WONG BACKS ALBANESE FOR LABOR LEADERSHIP

Meanwhile, Labor frontbencher Penny Wong has thrown her support behind Anthony Albanese for the ALP federal leadership.

Senator Wong told ABC radio Mr Albanese had the experience and runs on the board to lead Labor over fellow candidate Bill Shorten.

"He's had some tough portfolios which he's handled really well and he's also our best parliamentary performer," Senator Wong said on Tuesday.

In the Labor government Mr Albanese was deputy prime minister and a minister overseeing the infrastructure, transport, broadband, communications and digital economy portfolios.

Senator Wong added there was no stronger supporter of women's equality.

"He's been an incredibly strong supporter of women getting into parliament and progressing their careers," she said.

"That really lives his Labor values."

Senator Wong denied the new leader would be a lame duck if the membership of the party chose one candidate, and the caucus leaned towards the other.

"Progressive parties have to reform to thrive," she said.

"Making sure members of the Labor party have a vote for the leader is a great reform. It opens up the party, makes us more democratic and also engages the public in a different way."

Senator Wong said she would be standing again to be Labor Senate leader, but was unsure if she would retain the finance portfolio in opposition.

"That will be something I'll discuss with either Anthony or Bill, whoever is elected Labor leader, next month," she said.