The opposition is predicting three years of "massive" instability should Kevin Rudd be given a frontbench position in a re-elected Labor government, following revelations about the leadership spill last month.
"I have said that Kevin Rudd will serve as a senior minister in a re-elected Gillard government.
"That is my commitment, I will honour that commitment," Gillard said during a visit to Tasmania.
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Relations between Julia Gillard and Rudd have been called in to question by revelations the prime minister may have reneged on a deal that would have allowed her predecessor to stand down before an October election.
The prime minister had intended to use her National Press Club address yesterday to push Labor's economic credentials, but her plans were derailed when she was asked to confirm an account of the circumstances of the former leader departure.
According to The Australian, Labor figures have suggested that Rudd may have been behind the leak to veteran journalist, Laurie Oakes.
Both have refused to elaborate on what was said on the night before Ms Gillard became prime minister in June.
As has the only other person privy to the discussions, Defence Minister John Faulkner.
Gillard has reiterated her willingness to give Rudd a senior position in a re-elected Labor government, which the opposition says will lead to trouble.
"We are going to be in for three years of massive instability," opposition finance spokesman Joe Hockey told ABC.
"We've only seen the start of it now."
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has also called on Julia Gillard to explain what happened on the night Kevin Rudd was "executed".
Gillard has said she will never reveal what was said during the discussions, which she described as "confidential".
