Anthony Albanese has cautioned against hubris as his opponents flounder, saying it was important “we keep our feet on the ground” rather than go for broke on tax changes and other policies for which Labor has no mandate.

As Liberal MPs rallied around leader Peter Dutton after the history-making loss of Aston in Saturday’s federal byelection, the prime minister rejected suggestions an emboldened government, still enjoying a honeymoon, should start taking risks on superannuation and other areas.