Rudd calls for 'kindler, gentler' politics after being sworn in as Australian PM

Great drama, amplified by the fact that Gillard and Rudd are supposed to be batting for the same side. Either a true triumph of democracy and free speech, or childish fighting that will destroy the party. I guess the Australian Nation will decide which in 3 months time?

The thought of Tony Abbot running the place is a worry. A master at blasting holes in anyones else idea but seemingly bereft of producing new ideas and concepts other than the opposite of what others propose. A man made to divide a nation.

Wow, what silliness. Although I always vote for the liberal party, Tony Abbott is a bit of a joke, although he was my local MP. What dismal politics.

If I were the Governor-General, I would have dissolved the House and called immediate new elections. Better to rip off the bandage now then let the wound fester.

Geez, I thought it was only Japan that swore in former PMs who were forced out and/or left in disgrace.

He was pretty average last time but maybe, like Abe, he can do better second time around.

The once usurped has usurped his usurper. Everyone loses in this game. The damage to the Labor party will take years to mend. Rudd will only have a few weeks in power before being elected out. What a bloody (mostly media driven methinks)sham the past 4 years have been.

For those of you who think that politicians care more about the people than themselves, take a lesson from this farce. When the election is held, throw these self-serving morons out, and when the next election is held, throw out the next batch of self-serving morons. Once you get rid of the "career politicians" and replace them with ordinary people, perhaps government might accomplish more.

who is Rudd kidding?.... in a country obsessed with sport, there are only winners and losers in Australia and politics is no different.....

He looks a lot older in the photo - maybe being a devious sob has worn him out?

As an Aussie that has lived there under Rudd's rule, he'd s known as a 'DUD" - an incompetent dictatorial failure, and after his arrogant show during question time today, he has not changed. He has costed Australia billions by wasting money on failed policies, e.g home insulation (People Died), laptops for kids, school halls. AND he was sacked for being a failure in 2010. That's why many other ministers resigned as soon as he was re-elected. In 2007 he was elected with the promo "Kevin 07" However the majority of Aussies quickly realized he was hopeless and then named him "Kevin O Lemon" Now he's known as "Kevin O Venom" or Kevenge Rudd after shafting Julia Gillard for 3 years AFTER HE WAS SACKED!

There are a couple of feathers Julia can put in her cap, One obviously being the first female prime minister of Australia, the other was making Rudd look good, when truth be told she may go down as being one of the worst prime ministers Australia has ever had, and Rudd's failed policies had taken opinion polls of him to record lows until she took over. The labour party have dissolved into something akin to a rabble, even now, with Guillard and her cronies sitting in the back bench giving Rudd death stares. They lie blatantly to the Australian people and the Australian working class, their union boss supporters get caught time and time again cheating their members of their money and they talk about honour and a gentler , kinder politics.

Rudd has been allowed to regain power until the election and once he loses dismally , the faceless power brokers will instill another labour minister whom they believe will actually be able to lead. All the while the working class who put their faith in them will have their taxes raised under the cloak of some well needed levy.