Do you think Tony Abbott is serious when he says he would like a kinder parliament?

No he is saying whatever he has to so he can win over the Independents.

He may have been "taking a swipe" at the Labor party, but seriously... he's right... over the last 3 years the political arena has been like a warzone. Tony Abbott has proposed shorter speaking times during parliament Question Time to reduce the incidence of MP's using that time to simply attack their opponents. Both sides have been guilty of this, and it's pleasing that Tony Abbott has a plan to improve things.

A hung parliament is a fantastic result for Australia, and hopefully these Independents will get the major parties working together on quite a few issues. Of course Abbott can change, as can anyone... but at the moment - he requires the support of the Independents to form government to make these changes. I think they will all support the Libs, because of the conservative support in their own electorate always ensures that Labor never gets elected in the local seats. They would be committing "political suicide" at the next election if the Independents supported Gillard and Labor.

He's serious that he wants it. He's not seriously going to accomplish it.

David Cameron tried and failed in a similar situation. A month later the sparring was back and it was entertaining again.

Yes I do think he was serious. Whether it can turn into reality, who knows, personally I doubt it but his intention is there at least.