Shorten hits out at Abbott govt's start

Sacking public service chiefs, not promoting women - federal Labor leadership aspirant Bill Shorten says he's seen better starts to a new government.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott's first announcement after being sworn in at Government House on Wednesday was the sacking of three department secretaries - Andrew Metcalfe at Agriculture, Blair Comley at Resources and Energy and Don Russell at Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.

The sackings followed Mr Abbott's controversial decision to include just one woman - Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop - in his 19 member cabinet.

"Sacking people, not promoting women, it's not the best start I've ever seen," Mr Shorten says.

At a press conference at not-for-profit women's organisation Fitted for Work, Mr Shorten spent most of his time targeting Mr Abbott's gender imbalanced ministry.

He hit out at coalition sources who accused independent MP for Indi Cathy McGowan of being partly responsible for the lack of women in the cabinet because she toppled Sophie Mirabella in the seat of Indi.

"I know there's very talented Liberal women in that parliamentary party," Mr Shorten said.

"The Abbott government is acting a little bit like (men-only private social club) the Melbourne Club with its restriction/entry requirements."

Mr Shorten had no shortage of jibes for Mr Abbott.

But he refused to bite when asked about claims made by his rival for the job as Labor leader, Anthony Albanese, that he could oust the newly-elected Coalition government in one term.

Albanese made the statement at a boisterous campaign launch on Tuesday where he kickstarted his bid to win over Labor party members before the vote for Labor leader by rank-and-file members and caucus.

"I'm not going to be negative at all about Anthony Albanese, he's got a lot of strengths," Mr Shorten said, adding he too could win in one term.

"I believe I can win this election in one if given the privilege of representing Labor, because we are a team."