ALP launching campaign in nation's 'heart'

Labor leader Bill Shorten says he is launching his party's campaign in Western Sydney on June 19 because it's the "heart of Australia".

Bill Shorten has defended Labor's decision to nominate western Sydney for its campaign launch. (AAP)

Bill Shorten has defended Labor's decision to nominate western Sydney for its official campaign launch, saying the region is the "heart of Australia".

The launch is scheduled for June 19 in the marginal Liberal seat of Lindsay, a departure from Labor's choice of Brisbane for the previous three elections.

"Labor and Western Sydney share common values," Mr Shorten told reporters in Cairns on Tuesday.