Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has raised the prospect of reviving one of Labor's most politically damaging policy areas – a carbon price – as part of his bid to make Tony Abbott a one-term prime minister.

And in an interview with Fairfax Media before his first anniversary as Labor leader, Mr Shorten's guarded praise of the Coalition's suite of border protection policies has raised the prospect of a future Labor government adopting the same measures, including turning back boats on the ocean and temporary protection visas.

"I'm determined to strengthen Labor's relationships with business, particularly small business": Bill Shorten. Credit:Angela Wylie

Mr Shorten confirmed Labor would take a carbon price, although not a tax, to the election.

Previously Labor has left open the possibility of some form of resources super profits tax to secure a greater return to Australians of the use of natural resources.