Dutton and Shorten put differences aside for sweet embrace

The duo are often at loggerheads when appearing on Today, but Bill Shorten and Peter Dutton have hugged it out to close off a tumultuous 2024.

Shorten is bidding farewell to his almost two-decade career in politics, instead taking on the role of vice-chancellor at the University of Canberra next year.

And with Opposition Leader, Peter Dutton, hoping to boot Prime Minister Anthony Albanese from the top job at the next election, Today host Karl Stefanovic noted this could be Dutton and Shorten's last appearance together on the show.

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"It's your last cross Bill, potentially forever, Pete, would you like to say something nice about Bill?" Karl asked.

"Well, I want to say how good Bill is looking this morning, side on, but not as good from the front-on," Dutton said.

But Karl was feeling extra amorous this morning and pushed the pair to go in for a big hug as well.

So Dutton dove in and wrapped his arms around Shorten - a sight the people of Australia likely thought they would never witness.

"I'm getting emotional - that's beautiful stuff guys," Karl smiled.

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And even though Shorten laughed that was "emotionally draining" for him, he and Dutton were all smiles as Karl congratulated them on a solid 2024 and wished them well for the holidays.

But not before Shorten could stay true to form and get one last jab in at his political adversary.

"I think some of the viewers have just vomited up their weet-bix," he laughed.

"I apologise to any children watching that."

Hear more from Bill and Peter in the video above