Labor king maker Bill Shorten says Labor's losses could have been worse.
"I just want to put on the record that Kevin Rudd did a very good job so far helping Labor candidates being returned," Mr Shorten told the Seven Network.
Mr Shorten has suffered a swing against him, but is holding on to his Melbourne seat of Maribyrnong.
He avoided questions on whether he'd be the next Labor leader.
"This is a night of reflection, the Australian electorate certainly indicated that some are very disappointed in Labor and others renewed their confidence in us," he said.
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"Tonight is not the night for that sort of speculation.
"It's a difficult evening but I fear it could have been worse."
