Kevin Rudd has been sworn in as new Australian prime minister.
Rudd took the oath at Government House in front of Governor-General Quentin Bryce.
According to the BBC, he then addressed parliament briefly, paying tribute to former prime minister Julia Gillard, who is stepping down from politics.
The leadership change comes ahead of an election scheduled for 14 September, which polls suggest Labor will lose.
Opposition leader Tony Abbott congratulated Rudd on his restoration to high office.
Rudd returned to lead Australia's government three years and three days after securing 57 votes to Gillard's 45.
Describing politics as a 'very hard life', Rudd also called on fellow lawmakers to be a little kinder and gentler with each other, the report added.
