Tanya Plibersek has hit back at suggestions she was side-lined during Labor’s election campaign launch.

The Shadow Minister for Women and Education was asked why she was absent from the launch in Perth.

“I was invited, but I had already made other arrangements on that would have been difficult to change,” she told Scott Emerson on 4BC Drive.

She says everyday Australians are more concerned about the cost of living pressures than her “travel schedule”.

Asked about whether she wants to be the leader of the ALP, she refused to be drawn.

“I want Anthony Albanese to be Prime Minister, and that is my only focus at the moment.”

Press PLAY below to hear more about her exchange with Scott on 4BC Drive