Julia Gillard’s frank advice to Anthony Albanese

Julia Gillard has offered some frank advice to Anthony Albanese in her first interview since the election.

Julia Gillard has shared some words of advice to Australia‘s newly sworn in leader, suggesting Anthony Albanese needs to get more sleep.

The former prime minister gave her first interview since the election a Labor government on Friday.

Ms Gillard was asked by the ABC what she saw as the biggest challenges to the new Prime Minister.

“Well at the rate our new prime minister appears to be working at the moment, I think getting enough sleep might be the biggest challenge,” she responded.

“Words of advice – make sure you’re looking after yourself as well.”

Ms Gillard has given the new Prime Minister some advice. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Mr Albanese has led Labor to a majority government for the first time since Kevin Rudd’s election win in 2007.

Labor will hold 77 seats in the lower house, but will have to deal with a significant number of crossbench MPs.

It’s a situation the former prime minister would find familiar, given she governed with a minority from 2010 until she was ousted as leader.

Asked what advice she could give Mr Albanese, Ms Gillard said he didn’t need her words of wisdom.

“Well, there’s really no need for me to be sharing those learning because Prime Minister Albanese was there at the heart of the Government that I led,” she said.

“He knows what it’s like in terms of dealing with people respectfully across the chamber.”

Ms Gillard has been the chair of Beyond Blue since 2017. Picture: Justin Lloyd

The interview comes after Ms Gillard made a rare campaign appearance alongside Mr Albanese in Adelaide last month.

Since her retirement, the former prime minister has been reluctant to enter the political fray and has instead focused on her work with organisations such as Beyond Blue.

Ms Gillard urge governments to support the expansion of after-care programs for people following a suicide attempt.

Beyond Blue‘s after-care program, The Way Back, has helped more than 15,000 people 2018.

She said after-care reduced suicidal thoughts by 60 per cent and psychological distress by 30 per cent.

“Fortunately, federal and state ministers are committed to that, so we're in the mode of, right, let’s turn it from commitments on a sheet of paper to action all around the country.”