Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has called on MPs to be a "little kinder and gentler" with each other in his first address to Parliament since dramatically seizing back the Labor leadership from the woman who ousted him three years ago.

Mr Rudd also paid tribute to Julia Gillard - Australia's first female prime minister - who he defeated in a caucus ballot last night 57 votes to 45."Through the difficult years of minority Government the former prime minister has achieved major reforms for our nation that will shape our country's future," Mr Rudd told parliament.On top of all that, I acknowledge her great work as a standard bearer for women in our country; Australia's first deputy prime minister, Australia's first woman as prime minister.Follow our live blog for updates as they happen.Former treasurer Wayne Swan, who resigned from the frontbench in the Caucus meeting last night, was also acknowledged for his work during the global financial crisis.