Former Labor senator and prominent political commentator Graham Richardson says he is not surprised former Australian prime ministers Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd are so far absent in federal Labor’s election campaign.

An unashamed fan of current Labor leader Anthony Albanese, who has been in Parliament for 27 years, Richardson set Albo’s set of values showed what sort of character he is.

“He’s the real deal this bloke, I think he’ll make a great leader,” Richardson told Liam Bartlett on 6PR Mornings.

“I find his background a very interesting aspect… [and shows] this is the kind of country where you can dream, and make that dream come true.”

Press PLAY below to hear more from Richardson on Albo’s credentials and background growing up, and why the former PMs are absent from the campaign trail