No Eagle, the difference is that Abbott was overheard by the sound recorders in both of the cases you mentioned. It was not public discourse. That why I am not critical of Rudd whose swearing was an aside and clearly not meant for the public.
Combet has dragged the level of public discourse down a significant notch.
I swear like everyone else from time to time, but like 99% of adults, only in appropriate contexts. Not in a press conference!
Eagle, I hope you are capable of understanding the distinction I have presented.