A rare parliamentary ceasefire has provided a rare insight into the behind-the-scenes relationship between Prime Minister Tony Abbott and the man who wants his job, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

Both leaders on Thursday morning used frank and at-times humorous speeches to mark significant moments in the 2014 parliamentary year and to thank staff and families for their support.

Speaker Bronwyn Bishop has thrown out a record number of rowdy MPs. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

But Mr Shorten also used the opportunity to reveal how Mr Abbott responded to the death of the Labor leader's mother, Ann, in April.

"The Prime Minister sent me a very kind message of condolence," Mr Shorten said.