LABOR's candidate for Forde Des Hardman will be returning to work at Logan Hospital after his unsuccessful bid to win the seat from the LNP.
Mr Hardman stood down from his radiographer position last month ahead of the federal election.
The Australian Electoral Commission's latest results show Labor suffered a 7.1 per cent swing on the primary vote which dropped to a low 30.54 per cent in Forde.
LNP incumbent Bert van Manen won a fourth term with 57.89 per cent of the two party preferred vote.
Mr Hardman would not comment on whether he would consider a future run in politics.
He said there were a lot of disappointed volunteers and supporters coming to terms with the result.
"There will be a discussion around the policy table about how to approach the next federal election," he said.
"We will need to elect a new Leader after Bill Shorten's decision to step down.
"There are a lot of good people with a lot of experience in the caucus."
Mr Hardman would not be drawn on who he would endorse as a future leader.
Labor's infrastructure spokesperson Anthony Albanese has announced his candidacy.
Deputy leader Tanya Plibersek has ruled out contesting the leadership citing family reasons.
There is speculation as to whether shadow treasurer Chris Bowen will run.
Labor will elect their next leader through a process which includes a 50/50 vote from the party's membership and caucus.
In 2013, Anthony Albanese won more than 60 per cent of the vote from party members but Bill Shorten won greater support in caucus to seize the leadership.
Mr Hardman said negative campaigning from the LNP and minor parties had an impact on the result.
"It was a dishonest fear campaign run by the LNP working with Clive Palmer, Fraser Anning and One Nation...it was four against one really," he said.
"The fear campaign scared people away from a Labor government that would actually stand up for working people and represent families and young people in the best possible way."
"We did absolutely everything possible to honestly communicate our message and policies."
The LNP's Bert van Manen said it was the "silent majority" that got him over the line.
"They don't believe the government should have their hand in their pocket...they just want to get on with their jobs and don't want the government interfering," he said.
The Coalition is on track to win a slender majority government with a projected 77 seats.
