BILL Shorten's secret weapon in the election campaign, his wife Chloe, was armed with a new wardrobe paid for by the ALP.
Party secretary George Wright confirmed the ALP paid for designer outfits for official functions including campaign launches, but declined to reveal the cost. High-profile public relations consultant Simone Gandur was also paid by Labor to co-ordinate Ms Shorten's public events and interviews.
It's not the first time the Labor Party has dipped into party funds to help keep up appearances.
Former Prime Minister Julia Gillard is also believed to have had some of her suits paid for by the ALP, as have previous Labor leaders. But it's believed it may be a first for the ALP to dress an opposition leader's spouse for official functions.
Labor also paid for a babysitter for the Shorten family.
"The party decided it was appropriate for a babysitter to be provided so Mr Shorten could meet his extensive commitments," an ALP spokesman said. "Mr Shorten reimburses the party for the babysitter when it does not relate to these activities. No taxpayer-funded allowances or entitlements are used."A corporate affairs specialist, Mrs Shorten has forged a successful career in the private sector. While she is renowned for her style, she has previously insisted she's not interested in being a clothes horse. "I just want to be presentable I suppose," she said last year.