Burke backs Smith to retain Speaker role

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten won't say who he wants to be Speaker in the new federal parliament.

But former Labor MP Anna Burke believes Liberal Tony Smith has earned his stripes to remain in the job.

Ms Burke, who helped steer the 2010-13 hung parliament as Speaker, has offered some advice after the tight election result - listen to the experts.

She told ABC TV there is a plethora of people in the parliament who can help, such as the clerk and the solicitor-general, and she also urges hiring a non-political public servant who can give fearless advice on how to deal with contentious issues.

"I certainly hope it is Tony Smith again because I think Tony was doing an excellent job in again difficult circumstances," Ms Burke said, after retiring at the end of the last parliament and not recontesting her Victorian seat.

Mr Shorten told reporters in Adelaide Mr Smith hadn't rung him for his support.

"Let's wait and see what the final make up of the parliament looks like," he said.

"Labor will be co-operative in terms of making the 45th Parliament work."

Leader of the House Christopher Pyne said Mr Smith had done a good job.

"I would be strongly supporting Tony Smith to stay in that role," he told 2GB radio.

Labor frontbencher Anthony Albanese said Mr Smith had shown authority in the House of Representatives.

"I hope the government re-endorse him," Mr Albanese said.