Labor veteran not seeking to replace Husar

Retiring Labor senator Doug Cameron has firmly rejected reports he is seeking to run for a lower house seat at the next federal election.

Speculation briefly swirled on Wednesday that the NSW senator could replace Emma Husar in her western Sydney seat of Lindsay.

But a spokesman for Senator Cameron told AAP he would be retiring from politics when his term expires.

Labor deputy leader Tanya Plibersek laughed off the short-lived speculation.

"I consider him a dear friend and as such I know Elaine, his wife, would have my guts for garters if I tried to pressure Doug to stay," Ms Plibersek told reporters in Melbourne.

"He's got his retirement all planned out and he has made a wonderful contribution to public life in Australia."