Prime Minister Tony Abbott has challenged new Labor leader Bill Shorten to heed the verdict of voters by not opposing legislation to repeal the carbon tax.
Mr Abbott phoned Mr Shorten on Sunday night to congratulate him on becoming opposition leader.
"It's a great job but a tough job," he told reporters as he left the National Press Club in Canberra on Monday.
Mr Abbott praised his new opponent's political acumen, saying he knew Mr Shorten would do his best.
But he warned Labor that while it may have a new leader the party maintained policies rejected by most voters.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"They're still in denial about the election result."
If Mr Shorten wanted to make a good start he should begin by understanding the election verdict, Mr Abbott said.
That meant not opposing legislation to abolish the carbon tax.
Mr Abbott earlier made a speech about the role of unpaid carers, handing over a giant cheque to Carer's Australia for $762,000 from the Pollie Pedal bike ride fundraiser.
