The man who Labor members wanted to lead the party six years ago has delivered another job application with his election night speech.
Anthony Albanese won the popular vote to be opposition leader in 2013 but lost to Bill Shorten after caucus added its decision.
Labor looks set to lose the federal election and Mr Shorten would be unlikely to hold on to the leadership.
Mr Albanese said on Saturday night the whole Labor team had worked incredibly hard during the campaign.
"As part of that team I must accept, as we must collectively, responsibility for the fact that the many people who rely upon us will be disappointed that the outcome tonight is uncertain," he said.
"But what I am absolutely convinced about, and have been convinced about since I joined our great party when I was still at school, is that this movement is much bigger than any individual."
He didn't shy away from Labor's "redistributive agenda" of closing tax loopholes, properly funding schools and hospitals, taking action on climate change, advancing indigenous reconciliation and removing discrimination.
"The internal Labor values that you have fought for each and every day of this campaign are ones that I'm incredibly proud of," he said.
"One of the things that we need to be clear about in the discussion that will take place now over coming days is that the Labor Party doesn't seek to form government to change who sits in ministerial cars.
"We seek to form government to change the country and we shouldn't be shy about that."
He said the coalition relied upon a scare campaign but that ultimately hope was greater than fear.
"But it's also up to every one of us - every one of us - to remain firm in our commitments."
Mr Albanese also noted to supporters that he boosted his personal primary vote in Grayndler to more than 50 per cent, even while he visited more than 60 other electorates during the campaign.
