The new rules make it more difficult to change leaders and require a ballot of the party membership on contested leadership spills.

[9] The new rules are controversial, however, and have been publicly criticised by ALP Senator Stephen Conroy and former Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

The two voting pools were weighted 50/50 (Caucus and grassroots each consisting 50% of the final count) and the leader declared elected accordingly.

[16] The following individuals ruled themselves out as candidates or were the subject of media speculation but did not stand: Shortly before the caucus vote, on 10 October, Crikey reported that Shorten had garnered the support of 49 MPs to Albanese's 36.

[25][26] With the leadership decided, caucus elections (without general party membership involvement) were held to determine the shadow ministry.

In a return to ALP tradition, the shadow ministry were elected by caucus, with portfolio responsibilities to be assigned by the leader.