Anthony Albanese believes he's the best candidate to lead Labor back into government at the next election.
The former deputy prime minister has the policy credentials and has experience across a range of portfolios, he told reporters in Canberra on Friday.
The 50-year-old will run against Bill Shorten in a ballot involving both caucus and rank and file Labor members.
Mr Albanese outlined his CV over the past six years of government - deputy prime minister, minister for infrastructure, transport, broadband, communications and the digital economy, and leader of the House of Representatives.
"I think I'm up to a hard job," he said.
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"What you see is what you get.
"I'm someone who puts forward a view strongly and passionately when I believe it."
The fourth generation ALP member decided in consultation with his family to run for the leadership.
His rival Mr Shorten was the first other person he told of his decision.
Mr Albanese said Labor needed to change to become better for Australia and for the party.
The party needed to use the period in opposition to come up with new big ideas and visions for the country's future.
It also had to constructively engage and "not be negative for negative's sake".
He believed the ballot process was an important way to empower the party's membership and ultimately would attract more people to join Labor.
As for his opponent, Mr Albanese said Mr Shorten was a friend.
"He would make a very good leader," Mr Albanese said.
"He's someone that I look forward to working with into the future."
