Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has announced his new 32-person front bench, which has his deputy, Ms Plibersek, fronting the domestic-focused education portfolio.

"Education ... is a first order economic and social priority for Labor in this parliament," Mr Shorten said.

Mr Shorten also took the role as indigenous affairs spokesman, with the "Father of Reconciliation ", WA Senator Patrick Dodson, as his deputy.

Kate Ellis, Jacinta Collins, Terri Butler, Doug Cameron and Andrew Leigh take on other education-related portfolios.

Mr Shorten described the lineup as Labor's "education dream team" said education was "one of the sharpest differences" between Labor and the Turnbull government.

Chris Bowen remains as shadow treasurer, while Queensland MP Jim Chalmers gets promoted to finance spokesman.

Mr Chalmers replaces Tony Burke who returns to environment, while also remaining manager of opposition business in the house of representatives.

Former ACT chief minister Katy Gallagher moves into shadow cabinet, taking on the small business and financial services.

Catherine King retains the health portfolio.

Richard Marles moves to defence from immigration and border protection, which will be handled by Shayne Neumann.

Mark Butler retains climate change and energy.

Stephen Conroy becomes shadow special minister of state, while his former portfolio of communications goes to western Sydney MP Michelle Rowland who becomes one of eight women in shadow cabinet.

Kim Carr, who was given a lifeline by Mr Shorten after his left faction wanted him dumped from front bench, stays in shadow cabinet as the spokesman for innovation, industry, science and research.

He's described the team as "a positive, alternative, bold government ready to govern."

MORE to come