Australian fundamentals are sound: Shorten

Bill Shorten has called for calm as financial markets were struck by mass volatility after Britain voted to leave the European Union.

Joining similar comments from the prime minister and treasurer, the opposition leader said the decision in the UK referendum on Thursday should have little impact on Australia.

"We urge people to be calm and not to necessarily confuse the volatility in the stock market with any shift in Australia's fundamentals," he told reporters in Cairns on Friday.

Australian shares fell by a hefty 3.2 per cent during Friday's session as the UK results rolled out.

Earlier, Mr Shorten took time out from his campaign to tour an airforce base in Darwin, meeting with personnel from the Mobile Reporting Unit which houses the defence force's communications and radio of Australia's top end.

"Elections come and go but our defence force is always there," he told Australian airforce men and women.

He found the installation "pretty impressive", and then went to the US Marine part of the RAAF Base Darwin where he tried out the pilot's seat in an assault helicopter.

Before the tour, Mr Shorten had spruiked his "positive plans" for the Northern Territory which includes a $58 million infrastructure package, a new business advisory council for the jurisdiction and doubling the Indigenous Rangers program.

He also spoke of Labor's comprehensive plan to ensure the temporary work visa system allows Australians not to miss out on job opportunities,

"It is time in the Australian economy ... To stop the exploitation like we have seen from 7-Eleven," he also told reporters.

With eight days until polling day, Mr Shorten was asked whether he was prepared to do deals with the Xenophon Team or other independents to form government having previously ruled out an alliance with the Greens.

"My intention is to try and win this election ... My intention is to get Australians' first preferences," he responded.

He was also asked if he would stoop to three-word slogans in government, replying the only one he would want to see is "made in Australia ".

In Cairns, Mr Shorten announced a commitment to provide a concessional loan facility to expand Cairns airport.

This will be drawn from Labor's $1 billion North Queensland tourism fund.